Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to take control of the Gaza Strip and relocate its Palestinian residents, calling it a “remarkable idea.” This endorsement comes despite widespread international condemnation of the plan.
In a recent interview, Netanyahu expressed support for Trump’s initiative, stating that it would allow “Gazans who want to leave to leave.” He emphasized the need to rebuild Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage due to prolonged conflict. Netanyahu clarified that Trump did not suggest deploying U.S. troops to fight Hamas in Gaza, asserting that such military actions remain Israel’s responsibility.
President Trump unveiled the proposal during a joint press conference with Netanyahu, describing Gaza as a “big pile of rubble” and suggesting that Palestinians “have no alternative” but to leave. He proposed resettling them elsewhere while the U.S. would assume control of Gaza and develop it into something “magnificent.”
The plan has faced significant backlash from the international community. Countries across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, including China, Türkiye, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia, have rejected the proposal, with some labeling it as ethnic cleansing. Arab nations such as Egypt and Jordan have also dismissed the idea of absorbing displaced Palestinians.
This proposal follows a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that took effect on January 19, suspending a 15-month-long Israeli offensive that resulted in over 47,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 111,000 injuries. The conflict has severely damaged Gaza’s infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Netanyahu’s endorsement of Trump’s plan has further intensified debates over the future of Gaza and the ethical implications of relocating its population. As discussions continue, the international community remains deeply divided on the proposed course of action.
