Trump: "US to Own Gaza Strip and Make It the 'Riviera of the Middle East'... Deploy US Troops" (Summary)

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a U.S.-led development plan for the Gaza Strip, stating that "the United States will own the Gaza Strip." The plan involves relocating Palestinians from Gaza and then developing the area to create jobs. He also mentioned considering the deployment of U.S. troops if necessary.

On the 4th (local time), after holding talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, President Trump held a press conference and stated that the Palestinian residents of Gaza should be resettled in other areas.

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

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President Trump said, "We will own the Gaza Strip and be responsible for dismantling all dangerous unexploded ordnance and other weapons on site," adding, "We will level the land, demolish destroyed buildings, and create economic development that provides unlimited jobs and housing for the local residents."

He continued, "Those who have truly fought, lived, died, and endured miserable lives there should not go through the process of reconstruction and occupation again," and said, "Instead, with a humanitarian mindset, they should go to other countries. Many of them want to migrate, and we will ultimately build various areas for the 1.8 million Palestinians living in Gaza to reside, ending death, destruction, and misfortune."

Before the meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu that day, he also argued that Gaza residents should be relocated to neighboring Arab countries such as Jordan and Egypt, and that if there were other alternatives, Palestinians would prefer to live in alternative areas rather than return to Gaza. These remarks have sparked backlash from surrounding Arab countries, the Palestinian Authority, and human rights organizations.

Regarding his plan to own the Gaza Strip, President Trump said, "It will create thousands of jobs and will be something the entire Middle East can be very proud of." He also claimed, "The potential of Gaza is unbelievable," and argued that developing Gaza could make it "the Riviera of the Middle East."

When asked who would visit and reside in Gaza, he replied, "People from around the world, including Palestinians, will visit." The New York Times (NYT) commented that "since taking office, President Trump has spoken about Gaza more like a real estate developer than a world leader facing a major conflict," and pointed out that "if the people living there leave, it is unclear who will get the jobs."

When asked if he would actually occupy Gaza, he said, "I am looking at it from a long-term ownership perspective, and this will probably bring great stability to the entire Middle East." He also claimed, "I have studied the Gaza situation closely over several months, and the idea of owning and developing Gaza has received tremendous support from the 'highest leadership' as a viable plan to bring peace to the Middle East." He hinted at the possibility of a Middle East tour including Gaza, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

When asked if U.S. troops could be dispatched to fill the security vacuum in Gaza, he said, "As far as Gaza is concerned, we will do what is necessary," adding, "If needed, we will do so." CNN in the U.S. evaluated this statement as a significant change from President Trump, who had pledged not to involve U.S. troops in overseas wars.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

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Prime Minister Netanyahu described President Trump as "the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House," and said, "Israel's victory will be America's victory."

Regarding President Trump's proposal to occupy Gaza, he called it "a remarkable alternative future for that land, which has been the focus of much terrorism," and said, "It could change history." He also supported President Trump's remarks by saying, "Just as peace could not be achieved if the Nazi regime and Nazi army remained in Europe after World War II, lasting peace is impossible if Hamas remains."

That day, President Trump also expressed opinions on Ukraine and Iran. Regarding Ukraine, he said, "It is as serious or even more serious than Gaza," and added, "We are talking with the leadership of Russia and Ukraine." However, he did not disclose details and did not answer when asked whether he would demand Russia to leave Ukrainian territory. He also reiterated that Iran should not have nuclear weapons, warning that if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, "it will be very unfortunate for them."

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