WSJ: Middle East leaders reject Trump’s proposal for US control over Gaza

Major Middle East powers, including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, have rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to take long-term control of Gaza. 

Trump unveiled the controversial plan during a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Caliber.Az reports via The Wall Street Journal.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from regional leaders as well as Palestinian factions. Both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have firmly opposed any evacuation of Gaza, underscoring the deep divisions over the future of the besieged territory.

Jordan’s King Abdullah is set to meet with Trump at the White House on February 11, where the former president is expected to raise his Gaza plan, according to an administration official. The meeting comes amid widespread concerns over the feasibility and legitimacy of such a proposal.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump appeared to liken Gaza to a real estate project, suggesting that he would “own” the territory. “We’ll build safe communities, a little bit away from where they are, where all of this danger is,” he said. “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.”

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on February 9, Trump reiterated his stance, claiming that U.S. control would bring stability to the region. “We’re going to bring stability to the Middle East,” he said. “It’s a demolition site. It’ll be reclaimed. It’ll be levelled out, fixed up. There won’t be anybody there. Hamas will be there.”

The comments have sparked an outcry, with critics arguing that the proposal disregards Palestinian sovereignty and international law. The White House has not yet responded to requests for clarification on whether Trump envisions personal ownership of the territory, or if his plan entails the permanent displacement of Palestinians.

By Aghakazim Guliyev