Israel to Hand Over Gaza to U.S. After Resettlement, Trump Clarifies Plan

U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Thursday that, following the conclusion of the ongoing conflict, Israel would transfer control of Gaza to the United States once the region's population has been resettled elsewhere. This, he asserted, would eliminate the need for American troops on the ground.

In response to global outcry over his earlier statement regarding the development of Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East," Israel’s Defense Minister instructed the military to prepare for the “voluntary departure” of Gaza’s residents.

Trump, who had previously refrained from ruling out U.S. troop deployment in Gaza, clarified his intentions in a post on his Truth Social platform. He stated that the Gaza Strip would be handed over to the United States after the cessation of hostilities, and that Palestinians would be relocated to safer and more modern communities. “No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed,” he emphasized.

Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Katz, endorsed Trump’s plan, asserting that residents of Gaza should be permitted the option to leave voluntarily. He proposed facilitating departures via land crossings, as well as special provisions for sea and air travel.

Trump's announcement, made on Wednesday, has sparked widespread condemnation in the Middle East, coming at a time when Israel and Hamas were anticipated to engage in ceasefire negotiations to bring an end to nearly 16 months of conflict. Both Saudi Arabia and Jordan have rejected Trump’s proposal, with King Abdullah of Jordan asserting his opposition to any efforts to annex land or displace Palestinians. Additionally, Hamas representative Basem Naim criticized Katz’s plan, accusing him of attempting to mask Israel’s failures in the ongoing conflict and arguing that Palestinians are deeply committed to their land.

The displacement of Palestinians remains a contentious issue, deeply rooted in the history of the region. Forced displacement under military occupation is considered a war crime under international law, specifically the 1949 Geneva Conventions. In the context of Israel’s military actions, which have caused widespread casualties and displacement, many Palestinians remain unwilling to leave Gaza due to fears of permanent exile, recalling the trauma of the 1948 "Nakba," when hundreds of thousands were displaced during the establishment of the state of Israel.

Katz further suggested that nations critical of Israel’s military actions, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, should offer refuge to Palestinians. “These countries, which have leveled accusations against Israel, are legally obligated to accept Gaza residents into their territories,” he argued.