Trump Sparks Global Outrage With Proposal To “Buy And Own” Gaza

U.S President Donald Trump has announced a controversial plan to “buy and own” the Gaza Strip and relocate its two million Palestinian residents, sparking global condemnation.

He suggested involving Middle Eastern countries in rebuilding the territory and promised to ensure the displaced Palestinians “live beautifully.”

Trump repeated his pledge to take over post-war Gaza as he flew to New Orleans on Air Force One to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday.

“I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza. As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it. Other people may do it through our auspices. But we’re committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn’t move back,” he said.

However, Trump did not clarify how the U.S. would acquire Gaza or who it would buy it from.

“There’s nothing to move back into. The place is a demolition site… The remainder will be demolished…But, we’ll make it into a very good site for future development by somebody,” he added.

The Palestinian Authority and Hamas rejected the proposal, declaring that “Palestinian land is not for sale.”

“Gaza is not a property to be sold and bought. It is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land,” Izzat al-Rishq stated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s plan as “revolutionary and creative.”

“President Trump came with a completely different vision, much better for the State of Israel, a revolutionary and creative vision, which we are discussing. He is very determined to carry it out. This also opens many possibilities before us,” Netanyahu addressed.

Trump’s announcement comes during a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, following a recent escalation in conflict. The Israeli military launched an offensive in response to a Hamas cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken.

Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 48,180 deaths and widespread destruction.

International leaders condemned the plan. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz called it a violation of international law, while Egypt and Jordan rejected suggestions of accepting displaced Palestinians. The UN warned that forced displacement from occupied territory is illegal under international law.

The situation remains tense, with Palestinian officials and neighboring Arab countries vowing to oppose any attempts to displace the population or alter Gaza’s status.