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Trump and Netanyahu’s Middle East Plan Draws Global Reaction

by EUToday Correspondents
Trump and Netanyahu’s Middle East Plan Draws Global Reaction

In a high-profile meeting at the White House, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled what they described as a transformative plan for the Middle East.

The proposal, which includes placing Gaza under US control, relocating Palestinians, and turning the enclave into an economic hub, has provoked widespread debate and strong reactions.

Trump, speaking alongside Netanyahu, set out his vision for the region, stating, “We will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We will own it. And be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.” His administration has positioned the plan as a long-term strategy to stabilise Gaza and the wider Middle East, with a focus on economic development and security.

A particularly controversial element of the proposal involves the large-scale relocation of Gaza’s population to other parts of the region. Trump has suggested that wealthy Middle Eastern nations should finance the relocation of Palestinian residents, although past attempts to involve Egypt and Jordan in similar discussions have failed. The proposal has also raised speculation over whether Gaza could become a strategic US military base.

Beyond Gaza, Trump reiterated his commitment to expanding the Abraham Accords and securing Saudi Arabia’s involvement. He claimed that prior conditions tying normalisation to the creation of a Palestinian state were no longer relevant. On the issue of Israeli annexation of the West Bank, Trump said a formal position would be announced in the coming weeks.

The discussion also touched upon Iran, with Trump announcing a new wave of sanctions and reaffirming that the US would not allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. He hinted at potential military action should diplomatic measures fail, underscoring his administration’s commitment to countering Iranian influence in the region.

International Criticism and Regional Backlash

The announcement has been met with strong opposition from key regional powers. Saudi Arabia swiftly rejected the proposal, reiterating its long-standing position on Palestinian rights and opposing any forced displacement of Palestinian people.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also reaffirms its unequivocal rejection of any infringement on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, whether through Israeli settlement policies, land annexation, or attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land,” the Saudi foreign ministry stated. Riyadh made it clear that its position “is non-negotiable and not subject to compromises.”

Saudi Arabia has also warned that any deviation from internationally recognised Palestinian rights would jeopardise diplomatic relations and regional stability. The kingdom has long linked normalisation with Israel to progress on Palestinian statehood, and officials have indicated that Trump’s proposal undermines this condition. Riyadh has further emphasised that any attempts to displace Palestinians forcibly would be considered a violation of international law and could escalate tensions in the region.

Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation by the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union, also condemned the proposal. A Hamas spokesman called the plan “ridiculous” and warned that it could further destabilise the region. The group, which has been responsible for numerous attacks against Israel, rejected any scenario in which Palestinians would be displaced or governed by external forces.

Legal and Political Hurdles

Trump’s proposal to place Gaza under US control represents a significant departure from decades of American foreign policy, which has traditionally supported a two-state solution. Critics argue that his approach overlooks the aspirations of Palestinians for statehood and fails to address the extensive destruction in Gaza.

According to the United Nations, 92% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed due to the ongoing conflict, along with much of the area’s critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.

Trump’s portrayal of Gaza as a real estate opportunity has also drawn criticism. “We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal,” he said, drawing comparisons to Singapore’s rise as a global economic powerhouse. However, this perspective has been dismissed by opponents as oversimplifying the political complexities of the region and the deep-rooted historical significance of Gaza to its residents.

Challenges to Implementation

The feasibility of Trump’s proposals remains highly uncertain. The large-scale relocation of Gazans faces legal and practical obstacles, with regional states showing little willingness to accept Palestinian refugees. The transformation of Gaza into an economic hub under American administration would require immense financial investment, security commitments, and cooperation from multiple actors in the region.

Similarly, the potential annexation of the West Bank presents significant legal and political questions. Should Israel extend its sovereignty over the territory, it would have to determine the legal status of its 3.5 million Palestinian residents, a move that could have far-reaching implications.

Between Aspiration and Feasibility

Trump’s plan for the Middle East is one of the most ambitious geopolitical proposals in recent history. If even part of the plan is realised, it could lead to a profound reconfiguration of the region. However, the widespread opposition from regional and international stakeholders highlights the enormous difficulties in implementing such sweeping changes.

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