Trump Reasserts Plan for U.S. Control of Gaza Amid Administration Contradictions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump has once again put forward a vision in which the United States would take over the Gaza Strip following the ongoing conflict, contradicting statements from his own administration that downplayed the permanence of such a plan.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza
Speaking on Thursday, Trump reiterated his stance, saying that Israel would hand control of Gaza over to the United States at the end of hostilities. He added that the plan would involve resettling Palestinians elsewhere and that no American troops would be required.
Trump’s remarks have reignited accusations of advocating ethnic cleansing, with international condemnation coming from the United Nations, human rights organizations, and leaders from Arab nations. Critics argue that any forced removal of Gaza’s residents would violate international law, which strictly prohibits the forced transfer of populations from occupied territories.
Despite the backlash, Trump described his vision as a humanitarian effort, stating on his Truth Social account that Palestinians “would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region.” He also suggested that, under U.S. oversight, Gaza could be transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, he did not specify whether the displaced population would be allowed to return.
Administration Contradictions
Trump’s comments have created confusion within his administration. Following his initial statements, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on Wednesday that any displacement of Gazans would be “temporary.” Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that any relocation would be part of an interim process to clear debris and prepare for reconstruction efforts, seemingly contradicting Trump’s assertion that the U.S. would assume long-term control of the enclave.
The apparent discrepancies in messaging suggest that Trump’s vision has not been fully developed within his administration. According to a report in The New York Times, citing sources familiar with internal discussions, even senior White House officials were caught off guard by Trump’s remarks.
During a press conference on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump first outlined his plan, saying, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too.” Netanyahu did not explicitly endorse the proposal but called it “worth paying attention to.”
Devastation in Gaza and Logistical Hurdles
The feasibility of Trump’s plan remains in question, as Gaza has been largely reduced to rubble after 15 months of intense Israeli bombardment. The conflict began after Hamas launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign that has since killed over 47,550 Palestinians and injured more than 111,600, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
The destruction has left Gaza nearly uninhabitable. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that it could take over 21 years to remove the 50 million tonnes of accumulated debris. The region’s water and sanitation systems are nearly inoperable, and environmental hazards—including toxic waste from destroyed infrastructure and munitions—pose long-term risks to public health.
Despite Trump’s claims that no U.S. troops would be needed, analysts question how any redevelopment or resettlement could occur without a sustained military presence. Additionally, legal experts highlight that the forced displacement of Palestinians would likely constitute a violation of international law.
Political and International Fallout
Trump’s renewed remarks have drawn swift criticism from world leaders and humanitarian organizations. The UN has condemned the idea, with officials warning that any forced displacement of Gaza’s population would amount to an illegal act under international law.
Within the U.S., reaction has been mixed. Some members of Congress, particularly within the Republican Party, have praised Trump’s vision for a new Gaza. Others, including prominent Democrats, have denounced the proposal as unrealistic and dangerous.
Meanwhile, Trump himself has softened his tone in subsequent remarks, avoiding direct references to the proposal at a recent prayer breakfast, instead stating that he hopes his presidency will be remembered for bringing “peace and unity.”
As Trump’s administration struggles to clarify its stance, it remains uncertain whether his vision for U.S. control over Gaza is a concrete policy plan or merely a political talking point. However, with the war continuing to devastate the region, any potential U.S. involvement—temporary or permanent—will likely remain a contentious global issue.
