In a stunning declaration, US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (February 4) that the United States will “take over the Gaza Strip” in what he described as a move to restore stability and rebuild the war-torn region. Trump made the statement during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, DC.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, getting rid of the destroyed buildings, and creating economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” Trump declared.
His comments sparked immediate speculation about Washington’s long-term intentions in Gaza, as he also suggested that residents should not return to the enclave. “I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza,” he told reporters. “They live like they’re living in hell. Gaza is not a place for people to be living, and the only reason they want to go back is because they have no alternative.”
Trump’s remarks come amid his administration’s broader Middle East policy shifts, including the decision to withdraw the US from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and cut all funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which he accused of supporting Hamas.
The president also reaffirmed a hardline stance on Iran, announcing a return to “maximum pressure” policies, including reinstating aggressive sanctions to cut off Iranian oil exports and limit Tehran’s ability to fund armed groups in the region.
Trump insisted that taking control of Gaza would lead to “great stability” in the Middle East. “This was not a decision made lightly. Everyone I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land and developing it into something magnificent,” he stated.
While Trump’s announcement is likely to trigger strong reactions from Palestinian leaders and international allies, he asserted that the current ceasefire in Gaza could mark the beginning of “a larger and more enduring peace” in the region.
So far, there has been no official response from Palestinian authorities or other world leaders regarding Trump’s statement. However, given the geopolitical complexities surrounding Gaza, the proposal is expected to face significant scrutiny and opposition.