US Shifts Stance as Trump’s Gaza Plan Sparks Global Outrage

The US appeared to backtrack on Wednesday after President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza triggered a global uproar, with the UN warning against "ethnic cleansing."

Facing criticism from Palestinians, Arab leaders, and world powers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that any transfer of Gazans would be temporary, while the White House denied plans to send US troops.

Despite the backlash, Trump insisted, "everybody loves" the plan, which he unveiled to audible gasps during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Offering few details on execution, he declared: “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We'll own it.”

Rubio defended the proposal as a “generous move” aimed at rebuilding the war-torn territory. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later stressed that US involvement would not mean "boots on the ground" or American funding for reconstruction.

The UN strongly condemned any forced displacement, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirming Palestinians' right to live on their own land. French President Emmanuel Macron and Egypt’s Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned such actions would violate international law and destabilize the region.

Hamas rejected the plan as "racist" and "aggressive," while human rights groups accused Washington of endorsing war crimes. Trump's remarks also drew condemnation from Palestinian officials and Arab leaders.

Netanyahu, however, praised Trump as Israel’s “greatest friend” and called the proposal “a remarkable idea” worth pursuing. Meanwhile, Palestinians vowed to stay. “They can do whatever they want, but we will remain steadfast in our homeland,” said Gaza resident Ahmed Halasa.

The Gaza war erupted after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,210 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s response has since killed at least 47,518 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The UN deems the figures credible.