Trump Proposes to Take Over Gaza Strip

February 10th, 2025

Azzy Xiang

President Trump unexpectedly announced that the US could take over and renovate Gaza, which has been devastated by the renewed outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since October 2023. He also called for a deportation of Palestenians to neighboring countries, which spurred anger and frustration in communities who had voted for Trump in disgust of Biden's failure to properly handle the Middle Eastern conflict. Trump asserted Gaza will be given to the US by Israel, and Palestinians will be permanently relocated, a controversial proposal that has been viewed as ethnic cleansing by many.

Even some of Trump's own allies are doubtful of his lack of elaboration regarding how the takeover could be possible, and the fact that resettling an entire population could violate international law. Trump's administration is trying to interpret the President's remarks in less radical ways, in fear of this suggestion hinting towards military intervention after a ceasefire had been so fragilely established.

On the other hand, Trump has claimed himself to be responsible for sparking the ceasefire deal halting war, despite it coming into effect right before he even took office. Yet, the proposal of forcible Palestinian displacement may lead to more conflict breaking out in the territory. More than two million Palestinians reside in the Gaza strip and their removal was not mentioned in any previous ceasefire agreements that had been reached. If Trump follows through with his word, this may destroy any chance of the two-state solution of Israel and Palestine coexisting with those prospects already dwindling in past years and barely any support as shown by polls in both states.

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu reacted positively to Trump's stance on the issue despite the massive backlash from the rest of the Middle East. As a result, the Israel Defense Minister directed its forces to prepare for departure of Gaza residents, and Netanyahu insists that other countries like Spain must accept any Gazan resident who may flee to their territory.