Trump Elaborates On His Gaza Plan: ‘No Soldiers By The U.S. Would Be Needed’

President Donald Trump provided some more details about his plan for Gaza, writing early Thursday morning that his idea would not require any U.S. troops on the ground in the war-torn territory, which would be “turned over to the United States by Israel.”

Trump announced on Tuesday in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would seek control of Gaza to create an economy that will “supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.” In his post on Thursday morning, Trump said the U.S. would work “with great development teams from all over the World” to rebuild the territory that has been controlled by Hamas terrorists.

“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting,” Trump wrote. “The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. They would actually have a chance to be happy, safe, and free. The U.S., working with great development teams from all over the World, would slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth. No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!”

After Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel — when the terrorists killed around 1,200 people and took hundreds more hostage — Israel responded with bombings and military operations in Gaza. The years-long war between Israel and Hamas finally entered a ceasefire last month as the U.S. and Israel negotiated deals for the return of hostages days before Trump was sworn in for his second presidential term.

Trump said on Tuesday that his goal is to resettle around 1.7 million Gazans, adding, “I think they’ll be resettled in areas where they can live a beautiful life and not be worried about dying every day.” The president told reporters that Egypt and Jordan would agree to accept Gazan refugees, an idea both countries have strongly opposed.

“They won’t tell me no. I want to remove all the residents of Gaza,” he said. “It will happen.”

Trump says he wants to permanently resettle all Gazans:

“I think they'll be resettled in areas where they can live a beautiful life and not be worried about dying every day." pic.twitter.com/amrr8WWwam

— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) February 4, 2025

Netanyahu praised Trump for being “willing to think outside the box” and “find new and unique ways to solve problems that felt like they were intractable.”

“We’re prepared to look at all options,” Netanyahu added.

Trump faced criticism from Democrats and skepticism from some Republicans over his proposed plan for Gaza. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) told Jewish Insider, “I think most South Carolinians would probably not be excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza. It might be problematic.” He added, “But I’ll keep an open mind. That would be a tough place to be stationed as an American.”

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) added, “I don’t know that I think it’s the best use of United States resources to spend a bunch of money in Gaza.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday that Trump’s plan for Gaza “does not mean” U.S. tax dollars will be spent on rebuilding the area.

“It’s been made very clear to the president that the United States needs to be involved in this rebuilding effort to ensure stability in the region for all people. But that does not mean boots on the ground in Gaza. It does not mean American taxpayers will be funding this effort,” Leavitt said. “It means Donald Trump, who is the best dealmaker on the planet, is going to strike a deal with our partners in a region.”