TEL AVIV, Israel — President Trump has made two significant announcements regarding Gaza, causing widespread concern among Palestinians, Israelis, and leaders across the Middle East.
The first announcement suggests that the U.S. would assume control over the Gaza Strip. “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip,” Trump stated during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He characterized this potential takeover as an opportunity to create “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
The second announcement proposes that Gaza’s entire population could be relocated to other countries, stating, “We should go to other countries of interest with humanitarian hearts… and build various domains that will ultimately be occupied by the 1.8 million Palestinians living in Gaza, ending the death and destruction,” Trump explained.
Trump did not provide specific details on how these initiatives would be implemented, and they were met with strong opposition from Arab and Palestinian leaders, who have long sought to establish Gaza and the West Bank as the foundation for a future Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Hamas has also rejected Trump’s proposals, as the group is positioned to negotiate with Israel regarding the next steps of their fragile ceasefire in Gaza. Following a 15-month conflict that devastated both societies, Trump’s statements further complicate the already uncertain future for the region.
Israeli officials respond with skepticism
Former Israeli officials expressed doubts about the feasibility of a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the removal of its population. “On the day that I will see American soldiers coming in great numbers to Gaza, I will then make up my mind how serious it is,” remarked a former Israeli prime minister. Another former foreign minister criticized the remarks, stating that they reflect a profound misunderstanding of the historical background of the Palestinian people.
Furthermore, Israeli commentators have suggested that Trump may be employing a negotiation strategy, often described as “putting in a goat,” where an exaggerated demand is presented to later negotiate more moderate terms.
A similar strategy was seen during Trump’s previous term when Netanyahu hinted at annexing parts of the West Bank as leverage in negotiations with the United Arab Emirates.
Currently, the implications of Trump’s statements influence negotiations regarding Hamas’ authority in Gaza and a potential Saudi-Israeli normalization deal.
Recent polling indicates that approximately seven out of ten Israelis favor the idea of relocating Gazans, viewing it as a practical solution, though most Arab citizens of Israel opposed it. Netanyahu has yet to explicitly endorse these ideas but could use Trump’s remarks to placate ultranationalist colleagues while maintaining political stability.
Reactions from Hamas and the Palestinian leadership
Trump’s comments stand in stark contrast to his declared objectives for the Middle East, such as maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza and securing a deal for Saudi Arabia’s normalization with Israel. Hamas issued a statement condemning Trump’s remarks as irresponsible, warning that they would exacerbate existing tensions.
Meanwhile, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority affirmed, “We will not allow the rights of our people… to be infringed upon,” emphasizing the leadership’s intention to have a role in governing a postwar Gaza.
Internationally, Saudi Arabia reasserted its unwavering commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state, rejecting any measures that displace the Palestinian people.
Voices from Gaza: Resilience and Dissent
In Gaza City, many displaced residents returned to find their neighborhoods in ruins, relying on limited humanitarian aid. While some are choosing to stay amidst the destruction, others are contemplating relocation if safety and security are offered elsewhere.
Bassam Muhammad Abdulraouf, 29, expressed, “Even if there was a place that was a million times better than Gaza, I would still be ready to live among the rubble… I will never leave.” This sentiment resonates among many Gazans who refuse to abandon their homeland despite the dire circumstances.
Conversely, some, like Yahia Barakat, 30, express a willingness to leave if presented with better opportunities elsewhere, highlighting the diverging views among the displaced population.
