During a business roundtable in Qatar on Thursday, May 15, President Donald Trump once again suggested a U.S. takeover of Gaza as a way of attempting to redevelop the Palestinian territory.

“I think I’d be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone. Let some good things happen, put people in homes where they can be safe, and Hamas is going to have to be dealt with,” said Trump, during the roundtable with Qatari officials, in the presence of reporters.

The plan, detailed in a Time magazine article published on November 7, 2024, aims to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure, attract international investment, and foster stability in the region through a collaborative effort involving the United States, Israel, and Arab nations.

Trump’s plan hinges on creating a demilitarized Gaza, free from the control of Hamas, which the U.S. and Israel designate as a terrorist organization.

The Gaza Freedom Zone would prioritize economic development, with a focus on constructing modern infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and commercial centers.

The proposal envisions Gaza as a “global model for post-conflict reconstruction,” drawing parallels to successful urban developments in the Persian Gulf.

The initiative would be spearheaded by a coalition of international partners.

Israel would provide security oversight to ensure the zone remains free of militant activity, while Arab states, particularly Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, would contribute significant financial backing.

The U.S. would play a coordinating role, leveraging its diplomatic influence to secure commitments from allies and oversee the project’s implementation.

A cornerstone of the plan is attracting private-sector investment to drive Gaza’s economic revival.

Trump’s team has proposed tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and public-private partnerships to encourage businesses to set up operations in the zone.

The goal is to create jobs, reduce poverty, and provide Palestinians with opportunities for self-sufficiency, thereby reducing the appeal of extremist ideologies.

The plan also emphasizes regional cooperation, building on the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states.

By involving Gulf nations, the initiative seeks to integrate Gaza into a broader framework of Middle Eastern economic collaboration, potentially unlocking billions in investment for infrastructure and technology projects.

Beyond economic development, the Gaza Freedom Zone proposal includes a strong focus on humanitarian aid.

Trump’s team has outlined plans to rebuild Gaza’s war-torn communities, ensuring access to clean water, electricity, and healthcare.

International aid organizations would be invited to partner with local authorities to deliver essential services, with safeguards to prevent funds from being diverted to militant groups.

The plan acknowledges the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where decades of conflict have left much of the population in poverty.

By prioritizing reconstruction and development, Trump aims to offer Palestinians a path toward a better future while addressing Israel’s security concerns.