President Donald Trump has confirmed that under his controversial Gaza Strip redevelopment proposal, Palestinians would not be allowed to return to the Hamas-controlled enclave.
In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Trump stated that displaced residents would be provided with “much better housing” elsewhere, rather than returning to the war-ravaged area.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza
During the interview, Trump emphasized that Gaza is currently “not habitable” due to ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and suggested that relocating residents to neighboring Arab nations like Egypt or Jordan could be a more viable solution.
He also hinted that the United States might financially support this relocation effort, given the billions of dollars in aid already provided to these countries.
International Reactions and White House Clarifications
Trump’s comments follow his earlier statement about wanting the US to take control of Gaza and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that the relocation of Palestinians would only be temporary, intended for the duration of reconstruction efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also weighed in, stating that displaced Gazans would be allowed to “relocate and come back” once conditions improve.
However, Egyptian and Jordanian officials have rejected Trump’s proposal outright, with Cairo announcing an emergency Arab summit on February 27 to discuss the region’s evolving situation.
Trump’s Real Estate Development Perspective
Trump framed the plan as a real estate development project, stating that the US could create “beautiful and safe communities” away from the conflict zone.
He expressed confidence that deals could be struck with regional powers to accommodate Palestinian refugees, asserting that the land could become a valuable investment opportunity rather than a humanitarian crisis.
Ongoing Conflict and Political Strategy
The Gaza Strip has endured 16 months of conflict following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths—the deadliest assault against Jews since the Holocaust.
Trump’s proposal comes as the US seeks a long-term resolution to the crisis, though sources suggest that the announcement may be a strategic move to pressure Arab states into offering their own solutions.
The full Trump interview is set to air on Fox News’ “Special Report”, following a brief Super Bowl pregame segment that aired on Sunday.
