During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on February 4, 2025, President Donald Trump proposed that the United States take “long-term ownership” of the Gaza Strip, suggesting the relocation of its residents to other countries to enable redevelopment. Trump described Gaza as a “demolition site” and suggested providing Gazans with “a good, fresh, beautiful piece of land” elsewhere, potentially under U.S. control.
Legal experts, such as Michael Becker from Trinity College in Dublin, argue that Trump’s proposal could violate international humanitarian law by amounting to forced displacement. The legality hinges on whether Palestinians genuinely consent to relocation, with concerns that this might pave the way for annexation by Israel.
As of the latest reports, Trump’s proposal does not appear to have moved beyond discussion. Both Arab nations and Palestinian leaders have rebuffed the idea, and there’s no indication of immediate action. The situation remains fluid, with the proposal fueling both political and public discourse in the region and beyond.
