Donald Trump Calls Gaza a ‘Big Real Estate Site,’ Says U.S. Will Take Ownership and Rebuild
Donald Trump Envisions Gaza as a U.S.-Owned Real Estate Hub Amid Reconstruction Plans
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his vision for Gaza, describing the war-torn region as a potential “big real estate site” that the United States will ultimately own. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump outlined an ambitious plan to reshape Gaza, which has suffered immense destruction following nearly 18 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Trump’s Plan for Gaza: A New Vision
Trump asserted that the Gaza Strip, currently a “demolition site,” would be “reclaimed, leveled out, and fixed up” under U.S. leadership. He declared that Hamas would no longer be present in the region, emphasizing his commitment to bringing stability to the Middle East through large-scale redevelopment efforts.
“We’ll own it,” Trump stated. “It’s totally demolished right now. It’ll be reclaimed. It’ll be leveled out and fixed up. There won’t be anybody there. Hamas won’t be there.”
Middle Eastern Investment in Gaza’s Future
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, estimated that it would take 10 to 15 years to rebuild Gaza, aligning with Trump’s belief that the project would require a long-term approach. The former president also suggested that wealthy nations in the Middle East could play a role in financing and developing the region, with various countries taking responsibility for different sectors of reconstruction.
“Other people may do it through our offices,” Trump added, hinting at international partnerships in the rebuilding process.
Addressing Gaza’s Displaced Population
With approximately 1.9 million Palestinians displaced due to the ongoing conflict, Trump claimed he was committed to ensuring they had a place to live. He spoke of constructing “beautiful sites” for Palestinians, promoting a future in which they would “live in harmony and peace, probably for the first time in hundreds of years.”
“People can come from all over the world and live there, but we’re going to take care of the Palestinians,” he assured. “We’re going to make sure they live beautifully, in harmony, and in peace, and that they’re not murdered.”
International Reaction and Controversy
Trump’s remarks have sparked international controversy, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly criticizing the idea of U.S. ownership of Gaza. Scholz labeled Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. could take over and redevelop the territory while relocating its population as a “scandal.”
Despite the backlash, Trump remains firm in his stance, presenting his plan as a solution to one of the most complex geopolitical conflicts in modern history.
Trump’s Broader Agenda
During the same press conference, Trump also addressed various other topics, including the ongoing ceasefire discussions, cryptocurrency developments such as DOGE, and the latest findings by Elon Musk’s investigative team regarding federal institutions.
As Trump continues to shape his foreign policy agenda, his vision for Gaza signals a dramatic shift from traditional diplomatic approaches, raising questions about the feasibility and implications of such a bold plan.