During a business roundtable in Qatar on Thursday, former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his controversial proposal to turn Gaza into a “freedom zone” under U.S. control. He claimed there was little left to salvage in the territory, citing widespread destruction caused by ongoing Israeli airstrikes. “There are no buildings… people are living under rubble,” Trump said, asserting that U.S. involvement could lead to positive outcomes.
Trump first introduced the idea in February, suggesting that the United States could redevelop Gaza and relocate its Palestinian population. The proposal was widely condemned by Arab nations, Palestinians, and the United Nations, who warned that such a move would constitute ethnic cleansing.
Gaza’s 2.3 million residents are facing immense hardship, with most internally displaced amid a devastating Israeli offensive that has reportedly killed nearly 53,000 people. The military campaign began following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources.
Speaking in Doha—home to Hamas’ political office—Trump said he would be “proud” to see the U.S. take control of Gaza and claimed it could be transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, Palestinians firmly reject any proposal that involves being displaced, likening it to the 1948 Nakba, during which hundreds of thousands were forced from their homes during the creation of Israel.
Hamas official Basem Naim acknowledged Trump’s influence but rejected the idea of Gaza as a transactional asset. “Gaza is part of Palestinian land, not real estate for sale,” he said.
Direct U.S. involvement in Gaza would deepen Washington’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and could represent its most significant regional intervention since the Iraq invasion in 2003.
Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump’s remarks as a “bold vision” and confirmed discussions about potential host countries for Palestinians.
