WASHINGTON D.C. — President Donald Trump sparked significant controversy this weekend by stating that Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza under his proposal for the U.S. to “own” and redevelop the Gaza Strip. His comments came during a Fox News interview with Bret Baier, further expanding on his vision for Gaza’s future amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza Redevelopment
During the interview, Trump outlined a plan to permanently relocate Palestinians into newly built “beautiful communities” outside of Gaza, describing the project as a real estate development initiative led by the U.S.
“We’ll build beautiful communities for the 1.9 million people… It could be five, six communities, maybe two. But we’ll build safe communities away from all the danger,” Trump said.
When asked whether Palestinians would have the right to return to Gaza, Trump replied:
“No, they wouldn’t.” He explained that the living conditions in Gaza were currently “uninhabitable” and suggested that resettling them elsewhere would be better.
Implications for the Two-State Solution
Trump’s comments represent a significant departure from previous U.S. policy and have been interpreted as a rejection of the two-state solution, a long-standing framework for peace that envisions Palestinian statehood alongside Israel.
Previously, Trump had voiced support for the two-state solution, but his latest remarks align with his broader position of relocating Palestinians outside of Gaza permanently.
Palestinian and Global Reactions
Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians forfeit their right to return is likely to fuel anger among Palestinians, many of whom view Gaza as central to their aspirations for statehood. His statements are expected to face backlash from Palestinian leaders and human rights organizations.
Israel, however, has welcomed Trump’s proposal, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offering support for the U.S. role in redeveloping and stabilizing Gaza.
Concerns Over Hostages and Regional Stability
Families of hostages captured by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack have expressed concerns that Trump’s aggressive rhetoric could complicate negotiations for the release of remaining captives.
Trump’s plans to level Gaza, clear unexploded bombs, and develop economic projects may escalate tensions with neighboring countries, such as Jordan and Egypt, which have resisted calls to house large numbers of displaced Palestinians.
A New Phase of U.S. Involvement
Trump’s statement, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too,” underscores his ambition for a large-scale U.S.-led intervention. Under his plan:
- The U.S. would clear unexploded bombs and remove destroyed infrastructure.
- New housing and job-creating developments would be built.
- Palestinians would be permanently resettled, away from the current conflict zone.
While some see Trump’s “real estate development” angle as a unique approach, others fear that it dismisses Palestinian sovereignty and risks long-term instability in the region.
The coming weeks could see intensified debates as Palestinian authorities, international leaders, and human rights groups weigh in on Trump’s controversial vision for Gaza’s future.
