Donald Trump proposes US 'takeover' of Gaza; Netanyahu says plan could 'change history'

Netanyahu praised Trump’s ideas, describing him as "the greatest friend Israel has ever had" and calling the plan "something that could change history."

In a bold and surprising move, US President Donald Trump suggested that the United States should "take over" the Gaza Strip and oversee its reconstruction following the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump outlined his plan, which would focus on removing unexploded bombs, clearing war remnants, and fostering job creation and housing for the region’s residents.

The US President laid out a vision for rebuilding Gaza, which he described as potentially becoming "the Riviera of the Middle East." He expressed his commitment to visit Gaza as part of a broader Middle Eastern tour, stating, "I love Israel. I will visit there and I'll visit Gaza and I'll visit Saudi Arabia and I'll visit other places all over the Middle East." However, he refrained from setting a specific date for the trip.

Netanyahu praised Trump’s ideas, describing him as "the greatest friend Israel has ever had" and calling the plan "something that could change history."

The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions between Trump and Netanyahu on a Gaza ceasefire, with Trump noting his role in facilitating the first phase of the truce, which saw the exchange of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas. Trump expressed hopes for the next phase of the ceasefire to focus on humanitarian aid and reconstruction.

Trump also raised concerns about Iran and discussed the possibility of a renewed Israeli-Saudi normalisation deal, further signaling a shift in US policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite significant pushback from regional players like Egypt, Jordan, and Palestinian leaders, Trump’s proposal marks a dramatic shift in US policy and is expected to provoke continued debate on the international stage.