Former U.S. President Donald Trump made a striking proposal to have the United States take control of Gaza, pledging to clear the war-torn region and transform it into an economic hub. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump described a vision where the U.S. would remove unexploded ordnance, demolish damaged infrastructure, and rebuild the territory without the current Palestinian population.

"It should not go through a process of rebuilding and occupation by the same people that have really stood there and fought for it and lived there and died there," Trump stated, suggesting instead that Gazans relocate to other Middle Eastern nations. However, his proposal was met with outright rejection from Egypt, Jordan, and Palestinian leaders.

Netanyahu, in contrast, praised Trump as "Israel’s greatest friend" and noted that the plan could be a game-changer. The proposal comes as the U.S. takes credit for brokering a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with discussions underway for a longer-term peace deal.

Since the ceasefire on January 19, the exchange of hostages has begun, with 18 hostages released in return for about 600 Palestinian prisoners. However, tensions remain high in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have continued operations against militants.

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and took 251 hostages, has resulted in a devastating toll. Over 47,500 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel's response, while 1,210 Israelis were killed in the initial attack, according to official sources.

As humanitarian aid flows into Gaza under the truce, displaced civilians are beginning to return to northern areas. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with Trump’s proposal adding a new dimension to an already complex conflict.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump made a striking proposal to have the United States take control of Gaza, pledging to clear the war-torn region and transform it into an economic hub. Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump described a vision where the U.S. would remove unexploded ordnance, demolish damaged infrastructure, and rebuild the territory without the current Palestinian population.

"It should not go through a process of rebuilding and occupation by the same people that have really stood there and fought for it and lived there and died there," Trump stated, suggesting instead that Gazans relocate to other Middle Eastern nations. However, his proposal was met with outright rejection from Egypt, Jordan, and Palestinian leaders.

Netanyahu, in contrast, praised Trump as "Israel’s greatest friend" and noted that the plan could be a game-changer. The proposal comes as the U.S. takes credit for brokering a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with discussions underway for a longer-term peace deal.

Since the ceasefire on January 19, the exchange of hostages has begun, with 18 hostages released in return for about 600 Palestinian prisoners. However, tensions remain high in the West Bank, where Israeli forces have continued operations against militants.

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel and took 251 hostages, has resulted in a devastating toll. Over 47,500 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel's response, while 1,210 Israelis were killed in the initial attack, according to official sources.

As humanitarian aid flows into Gaza under the truce, displaced civilians are beginning to return to northern areas. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with Trump’s proposal adding a new dimension to an already complex conflict.