Palestinian militant group Hamas has strongly opposed former US President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians to other countries.
Trump unveiled the controversial plan during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, sparking shock and concern. The former president claimed his administration would remove unexploded bombs, clear debris, and redevelop the war-ravaged territory, envisioning it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We’ll own it,” Trump stated, suggesting long-term American control of the enclave. He also claimed to have support from high-ranking Middle Eastern leaders and urged Egypt and Jordan to accept displaced Gazans—an idea both nations have previously rejected.
Hamas swiftly condemned the proposal, calling it an attempt to erase the Palestinian cause. Spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou described it as a “racist” scheme aligned with Israel’s extreme right-wing agenda to displace Palestinians.
The announcement comes amid ongoing efforts to solidify a ceasefire following Israel’s devastating military campaign in Gaza. Netanyahu, who has vowed to crush Hamas and recover Israeli hostages, praised Trump’s plan as a potential game-changer, urging the international community to consider its implications.
However, Trump’s proposal has drawn significant backlash from Palestinian officials and Arab nations. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the United Nations, reaffirmed Gaza as the rightful homeland of its people, rejecting any resettlement plans. Saudi Arabia also stated it would not normalize ties with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is established.
Trump, who hinted at a potential visit to Gaza, did not provide specifics on how the U.S. would enforce the takeover but suggested that military intervention could be an option “if necessary.” The proposal is expected to face fierce resistance from Palestinians and the broader Middle Eastern community.
