US officials have backtracked on parts of President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to take control of Gaza and permanently resettle Palestinians in neighboring countries, after widespread international condemnation and resistance from Middle Eastern nations.
Trump’s plan, announced during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggested the US would “take over” Gaza and turn it into a luxury area, calling it “the Riviera of the Middle East.” His proposal included resettling Palestinians in other countries for an indefinite period while the US rebuilt Gaza.
Following the global outcry, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the idea was not intended to be hostile, but rather a “generous offer” to help with Gaza’s reconstruction. He explained that Palestinians would be temporarily relocated during the rebuilding process, not permanently displaced as initially stated by Trump. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt further emphasized that the US would not fund Gaza’s reconstruction, and no American military presence would be required.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, also voiced support for the proposal, with Netanyahu suggesting that Palestinians could return to Gaza after reconstruction. However, many countries, including China and the UN, strongly opposed the idea, warning that it could amount to ethnic cleansing and would violate international law. Key Arab leaders, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, condemned the proposal, asserting that Gaza must remain part of Palestinian territory.
Palestinian authorities, including President Mahmoud Abbas, and residents of Gaza rejected the notion of forced displacement, underscoring that Gaza is a critical part of the Palestinian state.
