Explained: Trump's Gaza proposal, potential implications, and how top US officials contradicted him

US President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to have the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip and permanently resettle its Palestinian residents has triggered swift and widespread condemnation from US allies, adversaries, and international organisations.

What did Trump propose?

During a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump suggested that the US could assume control of Gaza, oversee the removal of unexploded ordnance and debris, and redevelop the area into what he described as “the Riviera of the Middle East.” He also floated the possibility of relocating Gaza’s roughly 1.8 million Palestinian residents to new settlements outside the territory.

“We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings,” Trump said.

He did not rule out the deployment of US troops to enforce the plan and even hinted at a personal visit to the region.

How did the world react?

Saudi Arabia issued a sharp rebuke, reaffirming its “absolute rejection” of any efforts to displace Palestinians. The Arab League warned that the proposal could destabilise the region.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called for UN intervention, labeling Trump’s plan a “serious violation of international law.”

Hamas rejected the proposal outright, calling it a recipe for chaos.

“We reject Trump’s statements in which he said that the residents of the Gaza Strip have no choice but to leave, and we consider them a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region,” the militant group said.

Leaders from Australia, Ireland, Germany, and Turkey condemned the plan, reiterating support for a two-state solution.

“The comments last night were, of course, very concerning,” said Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin. “I always adopt the approach when it comes to the US administration of: judge them based on what they do and not what they say.”

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told state-run Anadolu Agency: “Even thinking about it, in my opinion, is wrong and absurd.”

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier criticised the proposal as “unacceptable under international law.”

“Proposals to remove or relocate the Palestinians from the Gaza Strip or in other words to drive them out... generate deep concern in some people, even horror,” Steinmeier said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against any form of forced displacement, equating it to ethnic cleansing.

“It is vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law,” he said. “It is essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing.”

What is the US government’s position?

Senior Trump administration officials quickly sought to clarify the president’s remarks and, in the attempt, walked them back.

Trump said: “I hope we can do something where they wouldn’t want to go back.”

“If we can get a beautiful area to resettle people, permanently, in nice homes where they can be happy and not be shot and not be killed and not be knifed to death like what’s happening in Gaza.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the US role as temporary, focusing on humanitarian efforts like debris removal and reconstruction.

“In the interim, obviously, people are going to have to live somewhere while you’re rebuilding it. It is akin to a natural disaster. What he very generously has offered is the ability of the United States to go in and help with debris removal, help with munitions removal, help with reconstruction—the rebuilding of homes and businesses and things of this nature, so that then people can move back in.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The president has made it clear that they need to be temporarily relocated out of Gaza.”

What are the potential implications?

Trump’s proposal threatens to derail ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, potentially jeopardising efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. It also risks straining US relations with key mediators like Qatar and Egypt, both strong advocates for Palestinian statehood.