US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he is determined to purchase and control Gaza, although he suggested that sections of the war-torn territory could be rebuilt by other Middle Eastern countries under US guidance.
“I am committed to buying and owning Gaza. As far as rebuilding it, we may let other Middle Eastern states build parts of it, but we are committed to taking it, owning it, and ensuring Hamas doesn’t return,” Trump said during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One en route to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.
He further described Gaza as a “demolition site,” adding that the remainder of the area would be demolished.
Trump also expressed openness to allowing some Palestinian refugees to enter the United States but stated that such requests would be considered individually.
Ezzat El Rashq, a Hamas political bureau member, strongly condemned Trump’s comments, stating that Gaza “is not a property to be bought and sold,” asserting that it is part of Palestinian land. He added that Palestinians would oppose any displacement plans.
Trump has previously suggested permanently displacing Palestinians from Gaza and transforming the area into a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
The proposal, which Trump unveiled last week, was vague regarding the fate of Palestinians who have endured significant suffering due to Israel’s bombardment in response to a Hamas attack in October 2023. It remains unclear under what authority the US would claim Gaza, and his comments have sparked international backlash.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog mentioned that Trump was planning to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and possibly Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although he did not specify dates for these talks. Herzog also indicated that Trump would meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah soon, as reported by Jordan’s state news agency.
The proposal has faced strong rejection from Saudi Arabia and other world leaders. Jordan’s King Abdullah is expected to express his concerns to Trump during their meeting on February 11 in Washington, cautioning that the plan could spread radicalism, destabilize the Middle East, and threaten Jordan’s peace with Israel.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and it was not immediately possible to reach officials in Cairo or Riyadh.
