Washington, February 10, 2025: U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that Palestinians will have no right to return to Gaza under his proposed U.S. takeover plan, calling it a “real estate development for the future.”
In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Trump said, “I would own it,” referring to Gaza, and suggested relocating Palestinians to up to six alternative sites outside the enclave. His proposal has been widely rejected by the Arab world and the broader international community.
When asked if Palestinians would have the right to return to Gaza, which has been largely destroyed by Israeli military operations since October 2023, Trump responded, “No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing.” He added that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and that a “permanent place” would be built for displaced Palestinians elsewhere.
Trump first revealed his controversial plan during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparking immediate backlash from Palestinian leaders and Arab nations. He reiterated his stance that Egypt and Jordan should take in displaced Palestinians—a proposal both countries have firmly rejected.
In the Fox interview, Trump claimed he would build “beautiful, safe communities” for Gaza’s more than two million residents, away from the conflict zone. However, his remarks that “I would own this” and that Gaza could become the “Riviera of the Middle East” have intensified criticism, with opponents labeling it an attempt at forced displacement.
While Netanyahu praised the plan as “revolutionary”, the wider international community has condemned it. Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations have outright rejected the proposal. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the plan “a scandal” and stated that forcibly relocating Palestinians violates international law. Critics warn that Trump’s plan could destabilize the fragile six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and derail long-term peace efforts.
Despite growing international opposition, Trump insists he can negotiate with Egypt and Jordan, citing billions of dollars in U.S. military aid as leverage.
The controversy follows earlier remarks by Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who previously suggested Gaza’s waterfront could be redeveloped if the civilian population were relocated.
With mounting global opposition, it remains uncertain whether Trump’s administration will proceed with the plan.
