‘Gaza not for sale’: Hamas condemns Trump’s plan for US takeover

Hamas denounced on Monday a plan reportedly being considered by US President Donald Trump for the United States to take control of the devastated Gaza Strip and for its population to be relocated.

Almost two years since Israel began its campaign in Gaza after Hamas militants’ October 7, 2023 attack, swathes of the Palestinian territory have been reduced to rubble and the vast majority of its population has been displaced at least once.

The Washington Post reported on Sunday that the White House was considering a plan that would see Gaza – home to roughly two million people – become a trusteeship administered by the United States for at least 10 years.

The goal would be to transform the territory into a tourism magnet and hi-tech hub, according to the US newspaper, which cited a 38-page prospectus for the initiative.

The outline also calls for at least the temporary relocation of all of Gaza’s population, either through “voluntary” departures to other countries or into restricted, secured zones inside the territory.

Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim slammed the proposal on Monday, asserting “Gaza is not for sale.”