5 Key Questions Explaining Trump’s Plan to Control Gaza
Trump proposes U.S. control of Gaza and Palestinian relocation, facing widespread condemnation.
Watan-Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip, following an earlier proposal for the permanent displacement of Palestinians from the territory.
Palestinian leaders and Arab world officials have publicly rejected Trump’s previous remarks advocating for the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, while human rights advocates have condemned the idea as a proposal for ethnic cleansing.
Trump has provided few details about his plan, but he outlined key points that have already sparked strong opposition and are expected to generate further backlash.
Below are some of the statements Trump made and the questions he answered during a press conference early Wednesday at the White House alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
What Did Trump Say?
At the start of the press conference, Trump stated: “The United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, and we will do our work there as well. We will take responsibility for dismantling all unexploded bombs and dangerous weapons on-site, leveling the area, removing destroyed buildings, and initiating economic development that will create unlimited jobs and housing for the region’s residents.”
Where Will the Displaced Gazans Go?
Trump said that Washington would ask neighboring countries to take in displaced Palestinians from Gaza, though he did not address whether Palestinians themselves would accept such a plan.
Since January 25, Trump has repeatedly asked Egypt and Jordan to do so, but both countries, along with other Arab states, have rejected the proposal.
Trump added: “Instead, we should approach other interested countries. There are many that want to do this and build different areas where, eventually, 1.8 million Palestinians from Gaza will reside, ending death and destruction there. Wealthy neighboring countries can pay for this.”
Before the war, Gaza had a population of 2.3 million people.
Will the U.S. Deploy Troops to Enforce Trump’s Plan?
When asked whether Washington would send American forces to Gaza under his proposal, Trump responded: “We will do what is necessary. If that’s necessary, we will do it. We will take over this piece of land, develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and make it something the entire Middle East can be proud of.”
Does Trump Support a Two-State Solution?
For decades, U.S. policy has supported a two-state solution, which would establish a Palestinian state in the occupied West Bank and Gaza alongside Israel.
When asked whether his administration no longer backed this approach, Trump avoided a direct answer, stating: “This has nothing to do with two states, one state, or any other state. What matters is that we want to give people a chance at life… because Gaza has been a living hell for those who reside there.”
Who Would Live in Gaza Under Trump’s Plan?
When asked who he envisions living in Gaza, Trump replied:”I imagine the people of the world, the people of the world.”
Without elaborating, he added:”Palestinians too, Palestinians will live there, and many others will as well.”
Ceasefire Agreement
On January 19, the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, took effect.
The agreement stipulated that indirect negotiations on the second phase should begin no later than the 16th day, with a final deal to be reached before the end of the fifth week of the first phase.
Israeli Perspective
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth has discussed various scenarios for governing Gaza, including the possibility of Hamas remaining in control of the territory. Although Israel opposes this option, the paper noted that Hamas could maintain its rule due to its armed forces, police, and security apparatus.
Other scenarios mentioned include Israeli military occupation, Palestinian Authority governance, or international forces taking control of Gaza.
Hamas has consistently maintained that governing Gaza is a purely Palestinian matter to be decided by the Palestinian people and that no external party has the right to impose governance arrangements on them.
