During his visit to the Middle East, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a controversial proposal regarding Gaza, stating that the United States should take control of the region and establish it as a “freedom zone.” His comments come amid heightened military actions by Israel and ongoing humanitarian concerns in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Speaking on the third day of his regional tour—which began in Riyadh—Trump made the remarks while in Qatar, a nation actively engaged in mediating between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict and facilitate the release of hostages.
“I have a vision for Gaza,” Trump said. “Let the United States step in, take charge, and transform it into a freedom zone.” The remarks, reported by AFP, echo previous statements in which Trump suggested converting Gaza into a tourist-friendly region, referring to it as a potential “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Qatar, however, has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s earlier proposals. The Gulf nation remains a central figure in regional diplomacy and has resisted foreign occupation or reshaping of Gaza without Palestinian consent.
As Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza, Trump’s statements are expected to stir debate, particularly among advocates of Palestinian self-determination and international observers pushing for a peaceful resolution.
Trump Proposes Turning Gaza into ‘Freedom Zone’ During Middle East Visit
During his visit to the Middle East, former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a controversial proposal regarding Gaza, stating that the United States should take control of the region and establish it as a “freedom zone.” His comments come amid heightened military actions by Israel and ongoing humanitarian concerns in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Speaking on the third day of his regional tour—which began in Riyadh—Trump made the remarks while in Qatar, a nation actively engaged in mediating between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict and facilitate the release of hostages.
“I have a vision for Gaza,” Trump said. “Let the United States step in, take charge, and transform it into a freedom zone.” The remarks, reported by AFP, echo previous statements in which Trump suggested converting Gaza into a tourist-friendly region, referring to it as a potential “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Qatar, however, has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s earlier proposals. The Gulf nation remains a central figure in regional diplomacy and has resisted foreign occupation or reshaping of Gaza without Palestinian consent.
As Israel intensifies its military campaign in Gaza, Trump’s statements are expected to stir debate, particularly among advocates of Palestinian self-determination and international observers pushing for a peaceful resolution.