U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed his country’s intention to take control of the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the necessity of permanently relocating its residents to other countries.
During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump stated, “The United States will take over Gaza, and we will also work on developing it.”
He added, “We will launch an economic development plan in the region aimed at creating unlimited job opportunities and housing for its residents.”
Before meeting with Netanyahu, Trump reaffirmed that the U.S. would assume control over Gaza and become its de facto owner. He argued that the same individuals should not be responsible for rebuilding and residing in the region.
Support for Permanent Displacement
On Tuesday, Trump reiterated his support for permanently displacing Palestinians from Gaza to other countries.
“I don’t think people should return to Gaza. You can’t live there now. I believe we need a different location—one that makes people happy,” he stated.
He also noted that while Egypt and Jordan had informed Washington they were unwilling to accept displaced Gazans, other nations had expressed their willingness to do so.
“Many world leaders have reached out to us, expressing their willingness to host people from Gaza,” Trump claimed.
Trump’s Middle East Tour Plans
Trump pledged to visit Gaza, telling reporters at the White House, “I love Israel. I will visit it, I will visit Gaza, I will visit Saudi Arabia, and I will visit other places across the Middle East.” However, he did not provide a specific timeline for the trip.
Middle East Conflict Solution According to Trump
Reaffirming his stance during the White House meeting with Netanyahu, Trump asserted that the solution to the Middle East conflict lies in the permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.
He repeated that other nations beyond Jordan and Egypt were open to accepting Gaza’s residents.
“Egypt and Jordan have stated they will not accept Gazans, but I said they would,” Trump continued, adding, “Many leaders have contacted us, expressing their willingness to house people from Gaza.”
Trump’s Endorsement of Netanyahu
Trump insisted that “everyone in the Middle East wants peace.” In a striking show of support for Netanyahu, despite allegations of war crimes and genocide in Gaza, Trump claimed, “Netanyahu also wants peace.”
He further praised Netanyahu’s leadership, saying, “We have the right leader for Israel. He has done a great job, and we have been friends for a long time.”
Trump also suggested that he deserves a Nobel Peace Prize, lamenting, “But the academy will never give it to me.”
Netanyahu’s Response
For his part, Netanyahu expressed his commitment to securing the release of all captives and achieving Israel’s war objectives, including the destruction of Hamas’ military capabilities and governance.
He acknowledged Trump’s efforts to broker a ceasefire and appreciated the work of the U.S. envoy in advancing the next phase of ceasefire negotiations.
