In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declared the U.S. intends to assume control of the Gaza Strip to initiate a comprehensive reconstruction.
Fox News reported that the announcement, made at the White House, entails leveling the area, rebuilding it, and instituting U.S. governance as a strategy for regional stabilization.
President Trump's declaration came during a press conference held on February 4, 2025, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
This plan, according to Trump, will involve clearing Gaza of unexploded ordnance and other hazardous materials that currently pose risks to safety and development.
Trump envisions a completely revamped Gaza, where destroyed buildings will be razed to make way for job creation and housing opportunities.
"Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area," Trump said. He believes such radical changes are essential to ensure the region does not revert to its former state.
During the conference, the President underscored the necessity of a long-term U.S. presence to maintain stability. "I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe the entire Middle East," Trump remarked, asserting that prominent advisors and international stakeholders support this U.S. ownership and redevelopment of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu endorsed Trump's ambitious plan, highlighting its potential to significantly alter Gaza's trajectory.
"President Trump is taking it to a much higher level. He sees a different future for that piece of land that has been the focus of so much terrorism," Netanyahu stated, appreciating Trump's innovative and unconventional approach.
Netanyahu further praised Trump's capability to rethink established geopolitical strategies. This perspective, according to Netanyahu, has allowed Trump to "cut to the chase" on complex issues. "You see things others refuse to see," Netanyahu added, reflecting on Trump's distinct leadership style that often leads to reconsidered viewpoints after the initial shock.
The discussions between Trump and Netanyahu also covered other pertinent Middle East topics, including the recent ceasefire with Hamas. They deliberated on measures to ensure that Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, cannot rebuild its military capabilities.
Furthermore, they considered the influence of Iran in the region and discussed strategies for relocating Gaza residents during the reconstruction phase.
Netanyahu remarked on their collective focus on the future, emphasizing the goal of eradicating threats from Hamas permanently.
"In our meetings today, the prime minister and I focused on the future, discussing how we can work together to ensure Hamas is eliminated and ultimately restore peace to a very troubled region," he explained.
The collaborative stance on Gaza's future was praised by Netanyahu as a step towards a lasting peace and a demonstration of the strong alliance between Israel and the U.S. "Israel's victory will be America's victory," Netanyahu stated. He expressed confidence in the shared vision paving the way for not just a fleeting truce, but a durable peace in the region.