Trump: No US Troops Needed, Israel To Hand Over Gaza After Conflict

On Thursday, February 6, Trump posted on social media, stating that,“At the end of the war, the Gaza Strip will be transferred from Israel to the United States.” This announcement marks a significant shift in the U.S.'s stance regarding the region.

According to President Trump, the Palestinians will be relocated to“much safer and more beautiful communities with new and modern homes.” The U.S. intends to carefully and slowly begin one of the largest and most impressive developmental projects in the region, he added.

Trump emphasized that there will be no U.S. military presence involved in the project, which marks a notable distinction from previous military interventions in the region.

Shortly before Trump's remarks, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, stated that the Israeli army had been instructed to prepare a plan that would allow Gaza residents to voluntarily leave the region. He explained that this plan would offer options for leaving through land crossings as well as special provisions for travel by sea and air.

Currently, Gaza's residents are under Israeli blockade, which has left them unable to leave the area. The region has been devastated by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israeli soil.

A ceasefire in Gaza has been in effect for more than two weeks and is still holding. The long-standing conflict has left much of Gaza in ruins, and rebuilding efforts are yet to be determined.

Earlier this week, Trump suggested that the U.S. could take control of Gaza and that its residents might be relocated to Egypt and Jordan. Following this suggestion, there was significant international criticism, prompting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to clarify that any relocation would be temporary.

Many Palestinians have expressed their determination to remain in Gaza, despite enduring fifteen months of Israeli bombardments.

Trump's proposal has been met with widespread international condemnation. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned against the risk of ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

Guterres emphasized the importance of adhering to international law and avoiding any form of ethnic cleansing. He called for commitment to international legal principles to ensure the protection of civilians.

The UN's high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, also stressed the necessity of progressing toward the next phase of the ceasefire, which includes the release of hostages and prisoners. He reiterated that any forced relocation of people from occupied territories is strictly prohibited by international law.

In the U.S., Democratic critics of Trump have labeled his proposal as“ethnic cleansing.” The plan has also been rejected by both America's European allies, including the UK, France, Germany, and Spain, as well as by its geopolitical rivals, China and Russia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with Fox News, expressed support for Trump's proposal, calling it“the first good idea I have heard.” He emphasized that the idea should be pursued, as it could offer a new future for all involved.

At the same time, Israeli media reported that Trump's proposal surprised Netanyahu. Netanyahu clarified that he did not think Trump's suggestion involved sending U.S. troops to complete the destruction of Hamas, stating,“This is our commitment, it's our job, and we are fully committed to it.”

President Trump's proposal for the future of Gaza has sparked a wave of reactions from both Israeli officials and international stakeholders.

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