Trump Startles Arab World With Gaza Proposal

President Trump said Tuesday that the US “would take over the Gaza Strip.” That's the war-torn home to nearly 2 million Palestinians. He said the US would rebuild the coastal enclave into the "Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump’s comments sent shockwaves across the world.

Gaza was the site of a 16-month war between the militant group Hamas, which oversaw Gaza, and the state of Israel. A cease-fire deal last month paused the fighting. Trump said Gaza had been destroyed. Moving forward, he said the best course of action is for the US to take control of the land. Its 2 million Palestinians would need to be dispersed. Then, the land could be rebuilt into a vacation-like spot. Trump suggested Palestinians “would love to leave” Gaza. And he said he foresees the US in the Strip long-term while it’s being rebuilt.    

The stunning proposal drew a strong response from nearly all corners.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine called the plan “deranged” and “nuts.” He sits on the Foreign Relations Committee. 

Israel's Arab neighbors reacted similarly. They would likely have to absorb the migrants from Gaza. Saudi Arabian officials said the nation would in no way support Trump's plan. They especially took issue with his call for the displacement of Gazans. 

A senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, said Trump’s plans amounted to ethnic cleansing. He called Trump’s remarks “absurd." And he added that "any ideas of this kind are capable of igniting the region.” 

Trump’s supporters applauded the idea. Republican Nancy Mace said: “Let’s turn Gaza into Mar-a-Lago.” Mar-a-Lago is Trump’s South Florida resort.    

Reflect: How might people or groups respond when they feel their land or home is being threatened or taken away?

Photo of President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from Reuters.