President Donald Trump announced that the United States would “own” Gaza without needing to buy it. During his remarks at a joint press event, Trump said Gaza, a region in the Middle East that has endured years of conflict and devastation, holds no financial value because “there’s nothing to buy.” He described the area as war-torn and uninhabitable, but expressed confidence that the U.S. could take control of it without any cost.
The statement quickly stirred reactions, as Trump suggested that the U.S. would transform Gaza into a site for redevelopment. While there were no details of any military intervention, Trump clarified that neither the U.S. Army nor taxpayer money would be used to take over or rebuild Gaza. Instead, the plan would rely on partnerships with local organizations and private groups to carry out the redevelopment process.
He also added that the people currently living in Gaza, primarily Palestinians, would need to leave the area temporarily. Trump claimed that they would be relocated to better housing in different locations, though he did not specify where these places would be.
Jordan Offers Help, Arab Nations to Meet
On the same day, Jordan’s King Abdullah met with Trump at the White House and shared his country’s willingness to assist Palestinian children in need. The king stated that Jordan is ready to accept 2,000 Palestinian children who are dealing with medical issues. This humanitarian gesture came as neighboring Arab nations also announced plans to meet soon to discuss the broader relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.
King Abdullah emphasized the need for cooperation among Arab nations to address the challenges faced by Palestinians, especially in light of Trump’s remarks about transforming Gaza. He voiced concerns about the ongoing suffering in the region and the urgency of finding a solution.
New Housing Plan for Palestinians
In an interview, Trump outlined his vision for relocating Palestinians outside of Gaza. He proposed building permanent housing for displaced Palestinians in as many as six different locations outside the region. Trump stated that this move would provide a much better living situation for the people, claiming that Gaza was currently unlivable.
“No, they wouldn’t want to go back,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of Palestinians returning to Gaza after redevelopment. “They’re going to have much better housing. It’ll take years to make Gaza livable again.”
Trump referred to the plan as a “real estate development for the future,” describing Gaza as a beautiful piece of land with potential once it has been redeveloped. He stressed that the U.S. would not spend “big money” on the project, and instead relied on a vision of economic opportunities through redevelopment.
The president’s words sparked debate, with many questioning how such a plan would be implemented and whether Palestinians would agree to permanently leave their homes. Despite the controversy, Trump expressed confidence in his vision, reiterating that this approach would create jobs and improve lives for people in the region.