In a joint press conference at the White House on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined a radical vision for the future of Gaza, with Trump making explosive claims about U.S. involvement in the region. Trump proposed that the United States should take over and “own” the Gaza Strip, while also suggesting that Palestinians should relocate elsewhere for humanitarian reasons. His remarks have sparked widespread criticism and raised significant geopolitical concerns.

Trumps Vision: U.S. Control Over Gaza

Trump doubled down on his belief that U.S. ownership of Gaza could bring stability to the Middle East. He outlined a plan that would involve dismantling unexploded ordnance, leveling destroyed infrastructure, and embarking on an economic redevelopment project that would generate jobs and housing for the regions people.

The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a jobwhether well own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, Trump said. He added that Gaza could be transformed into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” open to people from around the world, including Palestinians.

Trump did not rule out deploying U.S. troops to Gaza, stating, As far as Gaza is concerned, well do what is necessary. If its necessary, well do that. However, when pressed on the legal basis for such a move, he declined to provide specifics, only emphasizing his desire for a long-term U.S. presence in the region.

Palestinian Relocation Proposal

Trump also reiterated his previous stance that Palestinians should move to other Middle Eastern nations, such as Egypt and Jordan, despite those countries and Palestinian leaders rejecting the idea.

It (Gaza Strip) should not go through a process of rebuilding and occupation by the same people that have really stood there and fought for it and lived there and died there and lived a miserable existence there, Trump said, adding that Gazas two million residents should go to other countries of interest with humanitarian hearts.

His remarks have been met with strong opposition from human rights organizations and Palestinian leaders, who view the proposal as an attempt to displace Palestinians from their homeland. Under international law, Gaza is considered occupied territory and not a sovereign land, making Trumps proposed takeover highly controversial.

Netanyahu Backs Trumps Proposals

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trumps vision, calling him “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.” He voiced support for the U.S. plan, stating that it could “change history.”

Israel has never been stronger, and Irans terror axis has never been weaker. But as we discussed, to secure our future and bring peace to our region, we have to finish the job. In Gaza, Israel has three goals: destroy Hamass military and governing capabilities, secure the release of all of our hostages, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel, Netanyahu stated.

He expressed confidence in Trumps ability to bring about a new approach, saying, Israel will end the war by winning the war. Israels victory will be Americas victory.

Trump Talks Ukraine and Iran

Beyond Gaza, Trump also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, claiming that his administration was working towards a resolution.

We are having very good talks, very constructive talks on Ukraine and we are talking to the Russians, talking to the Ukrainian leadership, he said. Were having very good talks, and I think something will be, hopefully, dramatically resolved soon. Additionally, Trump signed an executive order applying maximum pressure on Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

I want Iran to be peaceful and successful, I hated doing it, Trump said, referring to the economic sanctions and military threats against Iran. They cannot have a nuclear weapon, and if I think that they will have a nuclear weapon I think that will be very unfortunate for them.

When asked whether he would support Netanyahu in striking Irans nuclear facilities, Trump remained ambiguous. I dont know that thats what hes going to be asking for, I have no idea that he is, he responded.

Reactions and Geopolitical Implications

Trumps statements regarding Gaza have already ignited international controversy. Palestinian officials andseveral Middle-eastern countrieshave outright rejected the idea of relocation and condemned the U.S. proposal for taking over Gaza as an imperialistic overreach. Critics argue that forcibly displacing Gazas population would amount to ethnic cleansing and violate international law.