President Donald Trump, standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, announced an unprecedented plan on February 4, 2025, aiming for the United States to “take over” the Gaza Strip, with intentions to relocate its current residents to neighboring countries while transforming the war-torn enclave into what he described as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump declared, “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We'll own it,” which drew audible gasps during the White House press conference.

Key takeaways from Trump’s proposal include the radical departure from decades of U.S. foreign policy that traditionally supported a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. His comments sparked swift backlash from around the globe, particularly from Palestinian leaders, Arab nations, and international rights organizations. The United Nations labeled the proposed forced displacement of Palestinians as “tantamount to ethnic cleansing,” emphasizing the violation of international law.

Reactions from international leaders have been overwhelmingly negative. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the plan, warning that it would constitute a serious violation of the rights of his people. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia firmly reiterated its stance on the necessity for an independent Palestinian state before any normalization of relations with Israel could occur.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz endorsed Trump’s proposal, claiming it could facilitate a temporary relocation for those wishing to leave Gaza, adding that a plan would allow departures via land, sea, and air routes. He pointed fingers at nations that have criticized Israel’s actions, suggesting their legal obligation to accept displaced Palestinians.

International sentiment echoed a consensus against the plan, with leaders from Jordan to Turkey expressing disapproval. Analysis from various political experts labeled Trump’s ideas as unrealistic, with significant implications for both regional and global stability.

In response, U.S. officials began walking back elements of the announcement, stressing that any form of resettlement would be temporary and denying any commitment to deploy American troops for the operation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The president has not committed to putting boots on the ground in Gaza,” further complicating the administration's position amidst escalating criticism.

As the world reacts to Trump's radical vision for Gaza, the prospect of permanently resettling its population raises profound questions about human rights, international law, and the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. For more detailed coverage, see the full article on ABC News.