President Donald Trump said Palestinians would have no right of return to Gaza under his plan for the United States to take over the territory
President Donald Trump said that Palestinians would not have the right of return to Gaza under his proposed U.S. takeover plan, describing the idea as a "real estate development for the future" in excerpts of an interview released Monday.
During the interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Trump said, “I would own it,” referring to the plan, adding that there could be several alternative locations for Palestinians to live outside Gaza. The proposal, which has been widely condemned by the Arab world and the international community, would see Palestinians relocated.
When asked if Palestinians would have the right to return to Gaza, much of which has been reduced to rubble since Israel’s military campaign in October 2023, Trump responded, “No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing.” He elaborated, “I’m talking about building a permanent place for them because if they have to return now, it’ll be years before it’s habitable.”
Trump first revealed this controversial plan during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sparking outrage among Palestinians. He reiterated his stance, pressing for Palestinians to be moved out of Gaza and suggesting Egypt and Jordan as potential hosts for these communities.
In the Fox interview — which is set to air in full on Monday — Trump said he would build “beautiful communities” for the over two million Palestinians in Gaza. “Could be five, six, or two,” he said. “But we’ll build safe communities, away from all the danger.”
Trump framed the plan as a long-term vision: “In the meantime, I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land. No big money spent.”
The plan took the world by surprise when Trump announced that the U.S. would “take over the Gaza Strip,” clear it of debris and explosives, and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” Initially, he said Palestinians could be part of this transformation, but his later statements suggested a firmer stance that they would not be allowed to return.