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U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his plan for the Gaza Strip on Monday, saying he believes he can broker a deal with Jordan and Egypt to take in Palestinian residents.
"We give them billions and billions of dollars a year," Trump told Fox News, adding that the U.S. would build "beautiful and safe communities" for Gaza’s 1.9 million residents "a little bit away from where they are." He described the proposal as a real estate development project, saying, "Think of it as a real estate development for the future—it would be a beautiful piece of land."
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US President Donald Trump on plans of Gaza ownership
(Video: Fox News)
When asked about a right of return for displaced Palestinians, Trump said they would not have one, arguing that "they're going to have much better housing" elsewhere. "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 [return]—it's not habitable," he said.
Speaking Sunday, Trump reiterated his commitment to acquiring control over Gaza, suggesting that while the U.S. would oversee the rebuilding process, other Middle Eastern countries could also contribute. Last week, at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he proposed transforming the war-torn enclave into what he called the "Riviera of the Middle East."
As part of the plan, Trump also floated the idea of relocating Gaza’s Palestinian population to other countries, particularly Egypt and Jordan. The proposal has been met with widespread criticism, particularly from Arab states, which have condemned any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Despite the backlash, Trump insisted the plan had been "very well received" and clarified that he is in no rush to implement it. Speaking to reporters at the White House last weekend, he said, "We’re in no rush on it. We have a long way to go for peace—we don’t want people returning just to leave again in 10 years." He added that stability in the region is the priority and suggested that future investments from other nations could follow.
Trump dismissed doubts about his commitment to the plan, saying, "There’s no hesitation—it’s been received very well. Basically, the United States would view it as a real estate transaction where we will be an investor in that part of the world.” He emphasized that Israel would provide security oversight, stressing, "We’re not talking about boots on the ground or anything."
The IDF has expressed skepticism about the plan. Senior officers have reportedly voiced concerns that a forced displacement of Gazans could lead to accusations of war crimes against Israel. Officials say the plan depends on two key factors: a willingness among Gazans to emigrate and a country willing to accept them—neither of which seems likely in the near future.
Military experts are divided on whether Gazans would leave voluntarily. Some believe hundreds of thousands, particularly from lower-income groups and those whose homes were destroyed, would be willing to relocate. Others argue that had Trump framed the initiative differently, rather than presenting it as a mass transfer condemned by Arab states, it might have gained more traction.
Meanwhile, Ynet reported last week that Defense Minister Israel Katz has discussed allowing Gazans to leave through Israel via Ashdod Port and Ramon Airport. The plan, which remains in its early stages, would apply only to those who voluntarily request to emigrate and pass strict security screenings.
Earlier Monday, Hamas' Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said that the plans of the West, the United States and Trump for the Gaza Strip were "doomed" and vowed to resist them.
"We will bring them down as we brought down the projects before them," he said during a commemoration of the 46th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution.
First published: 14:21, 02.10.25