Donald Trump has unveiled a bold plan envisioning U.S. involvement in Gaza post-conflict, yet global reactions suggest it’s anything but straightforward.
At a Glance
- Trump proposes U.S. to take control of Gaza without deploying troops.
- Plan includes resettling Gazans, rejected by regional countries.
- No consultations made with key U.S. departments or allies.
- Global criticism, particularly from Middle Eastern neighbors and Europe.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza
Former U.S. President Donald Trump anticipates the Gaza Strip being handed over to the United States after the current conflict ceases. Speaking through his Truth Social platform, Trump outlined development plans for Gaza, intending to transform it into a modernized region without requiring American military presence. By employing international development teams, Trump envisions a revitalized Gaza, but his plan also involves temporarily relocating Palestinians for reconstruction.
This ambitious proposal includes relocating 2.3 million Gazans to Egypt and Jordan, an idea ultimately dismissed by those countries and other international parties. The plan reportedly had not engaged U.S. or Israeli officials, leaving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unaware upon its announcement. Critics argue the plan not only lacks practical feasibility but could also compromise Egypt and Israel’s peace agreements.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States will “take over” Gaza and rebuild it in the aftermath of Israel’s war against Hamas.
The president’s comments came during a joint news conference at the White House with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin… pic.twitter.com/lyKpCHjZK1
— PBS News (@NewsHour) February 5, 2025
International Dissent
The proposal, attributed partly to Joseph Pelzman’s redevelopment vision, sparks diverse global criticism. Palestinians and international entities including Russia, Iran, and European allies openly question the initiative. Hamas and the Palestinian Authority denounce it as undermining a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital while violating international statutes. A ceasefire agreement currently involves hostages and prisoners, with Trump’s plan threatening these delicate negotiations.
“what is required is to end the occupation and aggression against our people, not to expel them from their land.” – Sami Abu Zuhri
Hamas condemns Trump’s plan, calling it a “crime against humanity,” while surrounding regional nations, such as Egypt and Jordan, assert importance in the two-state solution and resist Palestinian displacement. Western powers including France, the United Kingdom, and China echo these sentiments, largely refusing the forced displacement proposition and advocating Palestinian autonomy.
Strategic Calculations
While some of Trump’s aides attempt to soften the initiative’s aspects, emphasizing it’s about temporary displacement, criticism remains. Jared Kushner expressed interest in Gaza’s development potential, sparking controversy again. Dr. Sanam Vakil suggests Trump’s comments could aim to disrupt conventional thinking and support normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, the surprise nature of the plan and international objections cast doubts on its diplomatically strategic value.
This vision for post-war Gaza arrives amidst heightened conflict, begun by Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. With Israeli hostages still unaccounted for, their families stress the priority of securing their return before considering territorial changes. The Israeli government, led by Netanyahu, currently does not consider a two-state resolution, aligning with Trump’s unexpected plan. Nonetheless, this proposal’s reception, globally imperative or not, highlights enduring international complexities regarding the Gaza region.
