Trump Declares US Will ‘Take Over’ Gaza Amid Escalating Tensions

Former President Donald Trump claims the US will ‘take over’ Gaza, sparking international reactions and raising concerns over the region’s stability. More details on his statement and global responses.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the United States will take charge of the Gaza Strip, committing to reconstructing the devastated region and fostering economic prospects for its future inhabitants. When questioned about potential U.S. troop deployment in Gaza, Trump stated he would “do what is necessary.”

On Tuesday, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump commented on his belief that Palestinians should be permanently resettled elsewhere. He also stated that the U.S. would “take over” Gaza and spearhead initiatives to address the devastation resulting from 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“The US is set to assume control of the Gaza Strip and will take on the responsibility of clearing all dangerous unexploded bombs and weapons in that area,” Trump stated. He assured that efforts would be made to “clear the site by leveling it, removing destroyed buildings.”

When asked to elaborate on what he meant by a “takeover,” the US leader explained that he envisions establishing a “long-term ownership position” aimed at bringing so-called “great stability” to the Middle East. He added, “Everyone I’ve spoken with supports the concept of the United States owning and developing that area, which would reportedly create thousands of jobs,” claimed Trump.

Trump mentioned that he might consider deploying U.S. troops to support his development plans for Gaza, stating, “We will do what is necessary. If it’s needed, we’ll take action there.”

According to the UN, around 92% of homes in the Gaza Strip have suffered destruction or severe damage, leading to the displacement of approximately 1.9 million people—over 90% of Gaza’s population—since conflict erupted in October 2023. In recent weeks, Trump, a former real estate mogul, has frequently called Gaza a “demolition site.”

When questioned about who would inhabit Gaza after a potential U.S. “takeover” and redevelopment, as well as the possibility of Palestinian people returning there, Trump replied:

He expressed his vision of people from around the world residing there, recognizing the incredible potential of the Gaza Strip. He believes that it could become a place where representatives from every corner of the globe would gather and live alongside Palestinians. “I’m not trying to act like I know everything,” he added, “but this region has the chance to transform into something as magnificent as becoming known as ‘the Riviera of the Middle East.’”