US President Donald Trump’s administration appears to be rethinking his controversial proposal to assume control over the Gaza Strip, a plan that has ignited international outrage. Following widespread condemnation from Palestinians, Arab governments, and global leaders—with the United Nations warning that such actions could amount to “ethnic cleansing”—Trump’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that any transfer of Gazans would only be temporary. The White House clarified that there is no commitment to deploying US troops, despite Trump’s earlier assertions that “everybody loves” the plan.
During a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump insisted, with little detail on how the logistics would work, that the US would “take over” Gaza. Rubio characterized the proposal as a non-hostile offer meant to rebuild the war-torn territory. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later emphasized that the US would not fund Gaza’s reconstruction efforts, which have followed over 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The plan has drawn harsh criticism: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that any forced displacement of Palestinians would equate to ethnic cleansing, while leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi declared any displacement of Palestinians unacceptable. Palestinian leaders, including President Mahmud Abbas, have condemned the proposal as a severe breach of international law, insisting that the rights of Palestinians are non-negotiable.
Trump’s remarks have rekindled memories of historical displacements and have prompted immediate reactions from various regional players. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu welcomed the proposal as innovative and a potential turning point, while regional leaders from Egypt and Jordan firmly rejected any plans for relocating Palestinians. The escalating controversy underscores the deep divisions and high stakes involved in any resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
