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Former US President Donald Trump recently proposed that Washington take control of Gaza to rebuild the region, amid ongoing talks to extend the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian groups and secure the release of hostages. This plan, which involves relocating around 1.8 million Palestinians and potentially deploying American forces to manage redevelopment and security, has sparked outrage across the Middle East and parts of the world.

Trump’s announcement came after a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he described Gaza as a “dangerous demolition site” and shared his plan to clear destroyed buildings, dismantle unexploded bombs, and remove weapons. In a striking shift from longstanding US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Trump suggested that Gaza could be transformed into a prosperous international hub, with contributions from countries worldwide. He also proposed sending US soldiers to ensure security in the region.

The plan was immediately condemned by Palestinian leaders, particularly Hamas, who labeled it a “recipe for chaos” and reiterated their refusal to accept displacement. They emphasized that Palestinians in Gaza have resisted such actions for over 15 months.

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The proposal also faced sharp criticism from political analysts, human rights advocates, and Democratic lawmakers, many of whom argued it violated international law and Palestinian sovereignty. Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib accused Trump of promoting ethnic cleansing, while Senator Chris Murphy dismissed the plan as a diversion from domestic issues.

Saudi Arabia also weighed in, reiterating its stance that any attempt to displace Palestinians would be opposed. The country emphasized that normalization of relations with Israel must be based on the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Trump’s controversial proposal has reignited debates over the future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Gaza remaining a volatile hotspot marked by immense loss of life and suffering, particularly following Israel’s ground invasion in October 2023, which displaced millions.