Donald Trump has stirred international controversy with his recent declaration that the United States will "take over" and "own" the Gaza Strip. The former U.S. president suggested that the 1.8 million Palestinians living in the region should relocate to neighboring countries with "humanitarian hearts" and "great wealth." This announcement marks Gaza as the latest territory on Trump's list for U.S. acquisition, a proposal that has drawn widespread criticism and skepticism.
Trump's remarks come amid ongoing challenges in Gaza, where U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff previously predicted the area could become uninhabitable within 10 to 15 years. The conflict has devastated infrastructure, destroying over 200 government facilities, 136 schools and universities, 823 mosques, and three churches, according to Palestinian data. Despite a recent ceasefire allowing some Palestinians to return home, many find their residences in ruins, as development in Gaza has been set back nearly seven decades, according to a United Nations Development Programme official.
While Trump offered little detail on his plan to "take ownership" of Gaza, he avoided addressing the legal implications of such a move. The Palestinian envoy to the United Nations emphasized that world leaders and citizens should respect Palestinians' desire to remain in their homeland. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, praised Trump for "thinking outside the box with fresh ideas" and "showing willingness to puncture conventional thinking."
“It doesn’t mean anything about a two-state or one state or any other state. It means that we want to have, we want to give people a chance at life,” – Donald Trump
The human toll of the conflict is severe. According to UN satellite data (UNOSAT) from December, two-thirds of Gaza's pre-war structures—over 170,000 buildings—have suffered damage or been flattened. The Palestinian health ministry estimates that 10,000 bodies remain missing under the debris, while only 17 out of 36 hospital units are partially functional, as reported by the UN humanitarian office.
“They have never had a chance at life because the Gaza Strip has been a hellhole for people living there. It’s been horrible.” – Donald Trump
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib joined other U.S. Democrats in criticizing Trump's proposal to relocate Palestinians outside Gaza, likening it to "ethnic cleansing." Amnesty International condemned Trump's welcoming of Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“By welcoming Israeli PM Netanyahu, wanted by the ICC to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, the United States is showing contempt for international justice.” – Amnesty
“Complying with ICC arrest warrants & pursuing accountability in domestic courts is crucial to bring to justice those responsible for Israel’s genocide in Gaza and the continued dispossession and oppression of Palestinians under Israel’s unlawful occupation and system of apartheid.” – Amnesty
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy warned against a potential American invasion of Gaza, highlighting the risk of significant U.S. troop casualties and prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
“A US invasion of Gaza would lead to the slaughter of thousands of US troops and decades of war in the Middle East. It’s like a bad, sick joke.” – Chris Murphy
Meanwhile, Senator Marco Rubio echoed Trump's optimistic vision for Gaza's future, aligning with Trump's broader ambition for regional peace.
“As @POTUS shared today, the United States stands ready to lead and Make Gaza Beautiful Again. Our pursuit is one of lasting peace in the region for all people.” – Marco Rubio