Trump Suggests U.S. Seizure, Redevelopment of Gaza Strip as Resort Destination “`

President Trump And Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Hold News Conference

Following proposals to purchase Greenland and admit Canada as a state, Donald Trump has suggested U.S. acquisition of the Gaza Strip.

On Tuesday, the President proposed that the U.S. “own” the Gaza Strip, raze it, and redevelop the area, explicitly advocating for the displacement of 2 million Palestinians amid ongoing efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire.

During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined a plan for U.S. colonization of Gaza and the construction of resorts. He stated, “I don’t want to be cute. I don’t want to be a wise guy, but—the Riviera of the Middle East. This could be so magnificent.”

This proposal would drastically alter the long-standing conflict over land ownership along the eastern Mediterranean by permanently relocating the Palestinian population. Netanyahu did not reject the idea. “I think it’s worth paying attention to. We are talking about it,” Netanyahu said. “I think it is something that could change history, and it is worthwhile really pursuing this idea.”

Trump’s proposal comes at a sensitive time following the January 15th ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, as Israel seeks the return of Israeli hostages and the remains of those held by Hamas. Ownership of the Gaza Strip and Israeli land is central to the conflict, with Hamas threatening further attacks and Israeli settlers advocating for land acquisition in Gaza.

Over two million Palestinians reside in Gaza, many owning land and having lived there for generations. Trump suggested disregarding this history and transferring ownership to the U.S., citing the extensive rebuilding needs as justification. He stated, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site. Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings. Level it out,” he said. When asked about future residents, he responded: “I envision the world’s people living there.”

Trump’s proposal contradicts the longstanding position of Egypt and Jordan, who oppose the permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Trump’s national security advisor, Mike Waltz, stated that Trump spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Al Sisi on Tuesday and that Jordanian King Abdullah will visit the White House next week.

Speaking to reporters before Trump’s press conference with Netanyahu, Waltz noted the extensive damage in Gaza, particularly the challenges faced by those in the south waiting to return to their land in the north. He indicated that rebuilding bombed areas could take over a decade due to unexploded ordnance and Hamas tunnels. Waltz said, “At some point, we have to look realistically, how do you rebuild Gaza? What does that look like? What is the timeline?” Waltz said. “A lot of people were looking at very unrealistic timelines. We’re talking 10 to 15 years.”