Donald Trump Repeats Pledge to Take Over Gaza Amid Global Condemnation

Former President Trump Doubles Down on Gaza Takeover Proposal

Donald Trump has once again made the highly controversial declaration of his intention to assume control of Gaza, saying the U.S. should "own" the war-torn enclave while suggesting resettlement plans for its Palestinian population. His comments have drawn near-universal condemnation from world leaders, especially Arab ones, who strenuously oppose the removal of Palestinians.

Trump's Vision for Gaza: "We Will Own It"

Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump underscored his commitment to the idea of Gaza becoming U.S. property. He indicated that while the U.S. would take ownership, reconstruction efforts could be subcontracted out to other Middle Eastern nations under American supervision.

As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it, other people may do it, through our auspices. But we're committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn't move back," Trump said.

He elaborated on the idea by further stating that Gaza has become rubble amidst the conflict it is embroiled in, "There's nothing to move back into. The place is a demolition site. The rest is going to be demolished. Everything's demolished," and thereby he also stated that any reconstruction should be done from outside the area.

Arab Nations Dismiss all Schemes for Displacement

His words instantly drew an uproar from Hamas and a slew of Arab states. The comments have drawn fierce criticism from Hamas official Ezzat El Rashq: "Gaza is not a property to be sold and bought. It is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land. Palestinians will foil all displacement plans.".

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also responded, affirming that all replacement attempts at the Palestinians' expense are refused by the Arab leaders, such as Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

In a joint statement, Arab leaders reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution, saying forced displacement would be in "flagrant violation of international law, an infringement on the rights of Palestinians, a threat to security and stability in the region, an undermining of the opportunities for peace and coexistence among its people".

Trump's Justification: "Palestinians Would Rather Leave Gaza"

Trump insisted that Palestinians would willingly relocate if given the opportunity, claiming that the only reason they express a desire to return to Gaza is because they currently lack viable alternatives.

"They don't want to go back to Gaza. If we could give them a home in a safer area-the only reason they're talking about going back to Gaza is they don't have an alternative. When they have an alternative, they don't want to go back to Gaza," he said.

Trump suggested the Palestinians be resettled in neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan-a suggestion that both nations have rejected in the past.

"Riviera of the Middle East" Vision

In developing his plan, Trump boasted that the U.S. could turn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East." His administration has reportedly discussed a significant rebuilding effort, to be financed and constructed by allied Gulf states. However, this can be interpreted in different ways.

However, analysts say that the plan is unreal because of a history of hostilities, legal obstacles, and the dire humanitarian situation now developing in Gaza. Much of the enclave has been reduced to rubble in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, with more than 47,000 people killed thus far since Israel began its military operation in retaliation for an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas that killed around 1,200 Israelis and took another 250 hostage.

International Legal Implications

Legal scholars and human rights organizations have widely denounced Trump's plan, noting that the forced removal of Palestinians and the annexation of Gaza would be a clear violation of international law. The Geneva Conventions prohibit the forcible transfer of civilian populations, and any attempts to forcibly remove Palestinians could amount to a war crime.

The United Nations has also opposed plans for displacement on grounds that they would increase regional instability and destroy peace processes.

How the World is Reacting

Though the Biden administration declined to comment on Trump's statements, analysts said his plan for Gaza had the potential to make a significant mark on U.S. foreign policy if he returned to the presidency in 2025.

Israel's Stance: Although Israeli officials have mostly kept quiet about Trump's most recent comments, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long been opposed to international involvement in Gaza's governance. Yet, Netanyahu has not rejected Trump's plan in outright terms, to keep relations intact.

Leaders of Europe: The European Union has called for a political solution and stressed that the only constructive way forward would be a negotiated settlement that results in a two-state solution.

China and Russia: Both have looked at the U.S. taking control of Gaza with skepticism, warning it could escalate tensions and further destabilize the Middle East.

What's Next?

Despite mounting opposition, Trump seems convinced that his plan is the best way forward for Gaza. But with fierce opposition from Palestinian leaders, Arab nations, and international bodies, his vision faces significant obstacles.

As the conflict in Gaza continues to unfold, Trump's proposal has added a new layer of controversy to an already complex geopolitical crisis. Whether his plan will gain traction or be dismissed remains to be seen, but it certainly has sparked a global conversation about the future of Gaza and its people.