Trump Proposes Gaza as Free Zone During Qatari Business Discussion

On Thursday, President Donald Trump expressed his intention to take control of the Gaza Strip, stating at a business roundtable in Qatar that the US would transform the area into a “free zone,” while suggesting there’s little worth saving in Palestinian lands.

This concept was first introduced by Trump in February when he proposed redeveloping Gaza and relocating its Palestinian inhabitants. The idea faced widespread backlash from Palestinians, Arab nations, and the United Nations.

The ongoing conflict has left most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced internally, following Israel’s military response to a Hamas attack that resulted in nearly 53,000 Palestinian deaths and significant destruction of infrastructure. This military action began in October 2023.

Addressing Qatari officials and business leaders, many of whom have hosted Hamas’s political offices in Doha, Trump commented, “I have a concept of Gaza that I think is very good: make it a free zone and let the US get involved.”

He elaborated, mentioning, “I saw an aerial shot. There’s virtually no position in the building. I’m not trying to save anything. There are no buildings left—people are living under the remnants.” He emphasized the need for a free zone, stating, “If that’s what you need, have the US take it and make it a free zone. Let it happen.”

Trump had previously referred to his vision for Gaza as transforming it into a “Middle Eastern Riviera.”

Palestinians strongly oppose any plans that entail abandoning Gaza, equating these proposals to the 1948 “Nakba,” or “catastrophe.” Many express a willingness to remain in the ruins of their homes rather than leave.

The potential for US involvement in Gaza raises concerns in Washington about deeper engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which could lead to the largest military intervention in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Many Americans remain wary of foreign entanglements.

Israel began its military operations in Gaza on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led attack that claimed around 1,200 lives and resulted in the abduction of 251 individuals into Gaza.

Earlier this month, Israel advanced its plans for attacks against Hamas, with reports indicating that at least 70 Palestinians were killed during an Israeli strike on Thursday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Trump’s proposal as a “bold vision,” noting discussions between him and Trump regarding which country might take in Palestinians leaving Gaza.