Trump's plan to take over Gaza unfeasible - Analysts

KUALA LUMPUR - Analysts have dismissed United States President Donald Trump’s proposal to have the US ‘take over Gaza’ and develop the enclave, calling it unfeasible.

While the US administration has labelled the plan as temporary, experts argue that it is impractical without the approval of Arab nations, most of which have already voiced their opposition to the proposal.

Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, for one, believes business interest drives Trump’s plan as he aims to have US companies carry out Gaza’s reconstruction, funded by Arab countries.

"The Palestinian residents of Gaza are unlikely to leave. Any reconstruction would involve local authorities, particularly Hamas, and the people of Gaza themselves,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Mohd Azizuddin also doubts the plan’s viability, given Trump’s recent ‘flip-flop’ decisions including those related to tariffs on Mexico and Canada.

Sharing the sentiment, geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan criticised Trump’s statement as reckless, noting that members of his administration had attempted to clarify it following international backlash.

"Several versions have been released to explain the true meaning of Trump’s statement. We still don’t know what they truly meant in their justifications or responses,” said Azmi, a senior fellow at the Nusantara Strategic Research Academy (NASR).

The analyst also agreed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement, reaffirming Malaysia’s alignment with other Muslim countries, reflects Malaysia’s clear and firm stance on Gaza.

"Our stance has always been for a two-state solution, so there’s no need for further clarification on Trump’s remarks, especially since they are likely to change,” he said.

Azmi said the said the focus should now shift to fostering international cooperation for Gaza’s reconstruction through diplomacy, with Malaysia playing a key role in promoting a more inclusive approach that involves all parties, not just one.

"Malaysia should leverage the East Asia Cooperation for Palestine Development (CEAPAD), co-chaired with Japan, which selected Malaysia for its influence among Global South countries and Muslim nations,” he added.

CEAPAD, a regional platform initiated by Japan in 2013, aims to support Palestinian state-building efforts by leveraging the resources and expertise of East Asian nations.

Meanwhile, Amanah’s deputy president, Senator Datuk Seri Dr. Mujahid Yusof Rawa called Trump’s statement irresponsible, saying it violates diplomatic norms and infringes on the sovereignty of a recognised state.

"Trump’s proposal is not a practical solution for lasting peace in Palestine and the Middle East,” he said.

Amanah believes the best solution is to recognise Palestine’s independence and sovereignty, respect civil rights and support democratic governance for its people, he added.

Trump on Tuesday reportedly said that the "US will take over the Gaza Strip”, shortly after proposing the permanent resettlement of Palestinians outside the enclave, with the aim of creating economic development.

International media also reported that Trump's controversial proposal has received widespread condemnation, with many calling it "ethnic cleansing” and a "war crime”.

Jordan and Egypt, along with other regional and European countries like the United Kingdom, France and Germany, as well as China, strongly rejected the proposal. - BERNAMA