President Donald Trump's recent proposal to have the United States 'take over' the Gaza Strip and resettle its Palestinian residents was met with swift rejection and denouncement from American allies and adversaries alike. The proposal, made during a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outlined plans to build new settlements for Palestinians outside Gaza and for the U.S. to take ownership in redeveloping the territory.
Trump's vision included dismantling dangerous weapons, leveling destroyed buildings, and creating economic development to generate jobs. However, Egypt, Jordan, and other Middle Eastern allies rejected the idea of relocating Palestinians from Gaza. Saudi Arabia emphasized its support for an independent Palestinian state and rejected any infringement on Palestinian rights.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his country's support for a two-state solution, while New Zealand and China also expressed backing for a similar resolution. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized Trump's proposal, with Abbas calling it a violation of international law.
Hamas, the militant group responsible for sparking the conflict, condemned the proposal as a recipe for chaos. The war between Hamas and Israel has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with Israel's subsequent actions drawing criticism from various quarters.
In the U.S., opposition politicians, including Democratic Sen. Chris Coons and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, strongly opposed Trump's idea, with Tlaib accusing him of advocating ethnic cleansing.
The international community's response underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with various stakeholders advocating for peaceful and lawful resolutions to the longstanding issues in the region.