President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion to permanently relocate Palestinians from Gaza sparked significant backlash from both international allies and Republican lawmakers. After proposing that the U.S. take “ownership” of Gaza for long-term reconstruction and resettlement, Trump faced swift criticism, prompting his top diplomats to clarify the proposal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the suggestion was for a temporary relocation of Gazans to allow for rebuilding the territory after 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
During his first foreign trip as Secretary of State, Rubio described the relocation as a “generous” offer to help with debris removal and reconstruction. He acknowledged that people would need a place to stay while the rebuilding occurred. Leavitt, in a Washington briefing, called Gaza an “uninhabitable place for human beings” and supported Trump’s view that temporary relocation was essential to address the region’s dire conditions.
This clarification contradicted Trump’s initial remarks, where he suggested a permanent resettlement of Gazans in “nice homes” outside the region. Trump also proposed U.S. ownership of the rebuilding efforts, leading to concerns from Palestinians and Arab nations that such a move could lead to permanent displacement.
Other U.S. allies, such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, strongly opposed Trump’s proposal, arguing that it could destabilize the Middle East and derail efforts for a two-state solution. Even Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, criticized the idea, calling it “problematic” and suggesting a return to efforts aimed at defeating Hamas while supporting a Palestinian state.
While the White House ruled out sending U.S. financial aid for Gaza’s reconstruction, Leavitt did not dismiss the possibility of deploying American troops to assist with rebuilding efforts. The proposals contradicted the Biden administration’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to establish a post-conflict governance plan for Gaza.
