President Donald Trump‘s suggestion that the U.S. should “take over the Gaza Strip” and develop the disputed territory into “the Riviera of the Middle East” drew sharp actions across the globe and political spectrum on Tuesday.
In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump made a bold assertion that the estimated 1.6 million refugees should “clear out” of Gaza while the U.S. takes on the roll of developing the disputed territory.
“I don’t think people should be going back,” said Trump, saying Egypt, Jordan and other Arab nations should take in the displaced Palestinians. “You can’t live in Gaza right now. I think we need another location. I think it should be a location that’s going to make people happy.”
Domestically, Trump drew criticism from both sides of the aisle. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) took Trump to task over the comments that appeared to catch even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu off guard.
“He’s totally lost it,” Murphy posted on X. “A U.S. invasion of Gaza would lead to the slaughter of thousands of U.S. troops and decades of war in the Middle East. It’s like a bad, sick joke.”
He’s totally lost it. A U.S. invasion of Gaza would lead to the slaughter of thousands of U.S. troops and decades of war in the Middle East. It’s like a bad, sick joke. https://t.co/on4Vf4z4kB
— Chris Murphy 🟧 (@ChrisMurphyCT) February 5, 2025