U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that Israel would transfer control of Gaza to the United States after the fighting ended, with Palestinians already resettled elsewhere—eliminating the need for U.S. forces on the ground.
His remarks came a day after international outcry over his proposal to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister ordered the military to draft a plan for the “voluntary departure” of Gaza’s residents.
Trump, who had previously not ruled out sending troops, clarified his stance on Truth Social:
“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting. Palestinians would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed!”
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed he had instructed the army to prepare an exit plan for Gazans willing to leave.
“I welcome President Trump’s bold plan. Gaza residents should be allowed the freedom to leave and emigrate, as is the norm around the world,” Katz posted on X.
His proposal includes land, sea, and air routes for departure.
Backlash from Regional Powers
Trump’s announcement, which has provoked anger across the Middle East, coincides with anticipated ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas after nearly 16 months of war.
Saudi Arabia immediately rejected the proposal, while Jordan’s King Abdullah—scheduled to meet Trump in Washington next week—denounced any attempt to annex Gaza or forcibly displace Palestinians.
Hamas official Basem Naim dismissed Katz’s remarks as an effort to cover for Israel’s failure in the war, insisting that Palestinians would never abandon their homeland.
Fears of a New Nakba
The mass displacement of Palestinians has long been one of the region’s most sensitive issues. Under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, forced population transfers under military occupation are considered war crimes.
Israeli airstrikes have killed tens of thousands in the past 16 months, forcing Palestinians to move repeatedly within Gaza in search of safety. Many fear a repeat of the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands were driven from their homes during Israel’s establishment.
Katz suggested that nations critical of Israel’s war conduct—such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway—should accept Gazan refugees.
“Countries that have falsely accused Israel over its actions in Gaza are legally obligated to allow any Gaza resident to enter their territories,” he said.
