The White House, under a controversial new twist in United States policy about the Israeli-Palestinian issue, said Tuesday that President Donald Trump had considered giving the U.S. the control of Gaza after discussing this plan with the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. That marked a historic break from nearly decades of precedent American diplomatic stands.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the proposal was not hostile but, rather, “a generous move” toward the rebuilding of Gaza. However, he backed down from Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians should be resettled permanently in neighboring countries. He explained it was to be an “interim” move during reconstruction.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the proposal was historic but clarified that the U.S. would not fund the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been in conflict for more than 15 months. She made it clear that U.S. involvement would not include military presence on the ground, describing Gaza as “a demolition site.”
Trump further asserted that Israel would hand over control of Gaza to the U.S. after hostilities cease, ensuring no American soldiers would be deployed there. He envisioned Palestinians being relocated to “safer and more beautiful communities” during the rebuilding process.
Netanyahu praised the proposal as “the first good idea that I’ve heard,” suggesting that while Palestinians could temporarily leave, they should have the option to return after reconstruction.
However, the United Nations stated that any enforced displacement may amount to ethnic cleansing, as emphasized by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the right of the Palestinians to their homeland. The Palestinian officials and Arab leaders severely criticized the move, declaring that any forced eviction would not be acceptable. Moreover, local residents in Gaza opposed the concept of being removed from their homeland.
