Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump has sparked international controversy by declaring that the United States will “own and develop” the Gaza Strip, a statement that has drawn backlash from Palestinian leaders, U.S. allies, and even members of his own party. The remarks, made during a private meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have raised questions about U.S. foreign policy direction and its role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
According to CNBC, Trump stated that the U.S. should take control of Gaza following Israel’s ongoing military operations, arguing that “it must be rebuilt properly, and America should be the one to do it.” He further suggested that American companies and private developers could turn Gaza into a “successful business hub.”
The New York Times reported that Netanyahu did not publicly respond to Trump’s proposal, but Israeli officials have distanced themselves from the idea, insisting that Gaza’s future governance remains undecided and is not up to foreign control.
The comments have outraged Palestinian leaders, with Hamas and the Palestinian Authority condemning the suggestion as neo-colonialism. Reuters quoted a Palestinian official as saying, “Trump is treating Gaza like a piece of real estate, ignoring the people who live there and their right to self-determination.”
International reactions have been largely negative, with European leaders warning that any U.S. attempt to assume control over Gaza would violate international law. The Guardian noted that diplomats in France and Germany are pushing for the U.S. to clarify its position, emphasizing that any future resolution for Gaza must be negotiated through diplomatic channels, not unilateral declarations.
Despite the backlash, Trump’s supporters argue that his plan could bring economic stability to Gaza, which has been devastated by war. However, with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders rejecting his approach, it remains unclear whether the idea will gain any serious traction within U.S. foreign policy circles.
