In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, US President Donald Trump proposed that the United States take over Gaza and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump suggested that the US could “do a real job” in clearing unexploded ordnance and redeveloping the Palestinian territory, while simultaneously relocating its 1.8 million residents to other Arab countries. The proposal, which has previously been rejected by regional leaders, including the Egyptian President and Jordanian King, was met with approval by Netanyahu, who described it as an idea “worth paying attention to.” “I do see a long-term ownership position and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe the entire Middle East,” said Trump when asked by a reporter whether the US would occupy Gaza. “Everybody I have spoken to, and this was not a decision made lightly, everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent in a really magnificent area.” Since 7 October 2023,…
Trump Says US Will ‘Take Over Gaza’, Turn It Into ‘Riviera of the Middle East
February 5, 2025
