Trump envisions U.S. control and development of the entire strip and the forced emigration of some or most or all current residents.

In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it.” He outlined a vision to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He suggest the displacement of its approximately 2 million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. Trump emphasized, “We’ll create an economic development that will supply an unlimited number of jobs and housing for the people of the area. Do a real job.”

Netanyahu praised the initiative, stating, “This is something that can change history.” He expressed support for “finishing the job in Gaza,” aligning with Trump’s vision of redevelopment.

The proposal has elicited a spectrum of reactions internationally. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the plan, asserting that it violates international law and calling for United Nations intervention. Hamas labeled the idea a “recipe for generating chaos” and affirmed that the people of Gaza will not allow their displacement.

Egypt and Jordan, the proposed destinations for resettlement, have rejected the plan. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, stated that his country’s rejection of any displacement of Palestinians was “firm and unwavering.”

European nations have also voiced opposition. France and Germany called the proposal “unacceptable,” while Spain emphasized that “Gazans need to stay in Gaza.”

Within Israel, reactions are mixed. Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman thanked Trump for “his absolute commitment to Israel’s security.” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir agreed with Trump, stating that the “only solution for Gaza is to encourage the emigration of Gazans.” He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to adopt the plan promptly.