Donald Trump has unveiled a contentious proposal to "own" the Gaza Strip, aiming to build up to six new sites for Palestinians to reside outside the conflict-ridden area. These sites, envisioned as permanent refugee camps, would be funded by the U.S. president himself. The plan also seeks to resettle Palestinians in Egypt and Jordan, a move that both countries have rejected outright. Major Arab states have labeled the plan a non-starter, while some factions in Israel and the United States have shown support.
The proposal addresses over 1.5 million Palestinian refugees and their descendants, who have been living in camps across Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and the West Bank since the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. According to Trump, Palestinians would not have the right to return to Gaza under his plan. Instead, he claims that they would enjoy "much better housing" in the newly proposed sites.
“No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing.” – Donald Trump
Despite Trump's enthusiasm, his plan has sparked outrage across the Arab world. Key figures in the international community, including the UN's top human rights investigator Navi Pillay, have criticized the proposal. Even some of Trump's closest aides were taken aback by his announcement. Critics argue that the plan effectively endorses ethnic cleansing.
Trump's strategy involves constructing these settlements as permanent places for displaced Palestinians. He has described this initiative as akin to a real estate development project.
“Could be five, six, could be two,” – Donald Trump
“In other words, I’m talking about building a permanent place for them because if they have to return now, it’ll be years before you could ever – it’s not habitable,” – Donald Trump
“In the meantime, I would own this,” – Donald Trump
“Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent.” – Donald Trump
While Trump's proposal has found favor with Israel's far-right settler movement and some evangelical allies in the United States, the broader response has been overwhelmingly negative. The plan's rejection by Egypt and Jordan underscores its improbability of gaining traction among key regional players.