US President Donald Trump on Thursday reiterated his proposal for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip, as Israel’s army has been ordered to prepare plans to allow large numbers of Palestinians to leave the territory.
In a post on Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump wrote, “The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting. The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. They would actually have a chance to be happy, safe, and free. The US, working with great development teams from all over the World, would slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth. No soldiers by the US would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!”
Trump’s remarks follow his initial proposal earlier in the week. His plan suggests that Gaza, with US-led international development, could be transformed into one of the “greatest and most spectacular developments” on Earth.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has backed Trump’s proposal, telling Fox News that the idea of allowing Palestinians to leave Gaza is a “remarkable idea” that should be “pursued and done.” Israel’s military has also been instructed to prepare plans for large-scale departures of Palestinians from the territory.
“I have instructed the IDF (military) to prepare a plan to enable voluntary departure for Gaza residents,” Israeli defence minister Katz said, adding that they could go “to any country willing to accept them”. “The plan will include exit options through land crossings, as well as special arrangements for departure by sea and air,” he added, branding Trump’s plan as “bold”.
“This is the first good idea that I’ve heard,” Netanyahu said. “It will create a different future for everyone.”
Trump’s announcement at a joint White House press conference with Netanyahu on Tuesday has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups, which argue that the plan violates international law and amounts to ethnic cleansing.
Despite the backlash, Trump has remained firm, describing Gaza’s potential transformation as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”