Trump’s plan to takeover Gaza: Letters to the Editor

The Issue: President Trump proposing the United States transform Gaza into a “Middle East Riviera.”

President Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza and transfer its people to Egypt and Jordan cannot be taken seriously (“ ‘We’ll take over Gaza,’ ” Feb. 5).

Not only do Gazans reject it, but securing the Strip would require US soldiers to battle Hamas terrorists in Gaza’s underground tunnels.

Our focus should be on bringing home Israeli hostages — including six dual American-Israeli citizens — preventing Hamas from playing any role in postwar Gaza, and stopping Iran’s nuclear-weapons program.

We must also demand that the world unequivocally condemn the murder, rape, kidnapping and unbridled barbarity inflicted on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and stop vilifying Israel for defending itself against this violence.

Rather than weakening Hamas, Trump’s proposal would only rally Gaza’s population behind the terror group.

Stephen A. Silver

With four simple words, “We’ll take over Gaza,” Trump made the world a safer place, deflating the threat of World War III.

His stunning statement shifted the global discussion of the Israel-Gaza conflict from destruction to revitalization.

Of course, serious details must be worked out — but Trump again demonstrates how his bold and decisive leadership steers the world toward peace.

Carole Campolo

East Hampton

The president’s plan calls for the removal of Gaza’s inhabitants, who owe their predicament solely to Hamas.

The unintended consequences of Oct. 7 are still unfolding.

Above all, Hamas must not be allowed to return and prepare for another attempt to destroy Israel.

Samuel Frazer

Fort Myers, Fla.

President Trump is certainly in his element when it comes to construction, but the politics of rebuilding Gaza after Hamas is defeated are far more complex.

Any rebuilding effort must consider the Israelis who were removed from Gaza by their government in 2005, and only Gazans who pledge to live in peace with Israel should be allowed to return.

Ron Wasserman

Freehold, NJ

Resettling Gazans in a neighboring country is a good approach.

Once reconstruction is complete, those who wish to return could do so.

Richard A. Ketay

Newark, NJ

While I agree with most of President Trump’s new initiatives, I fear his Gaza-takeover plan is a bridge too far.

What exactly are we to do with 2 million Gaza residents?

Neither Jordan nor Egypt wants them, and no other nation seems eager to accept them.

What happens to those who refuse to leave?

Is it now our responsibility to rebuild Gaza?

How will we protect the civilian contractors who would be tasked with cleaning up the devastation?

These people will become terrorist targets.

Will our military be required to defend them?

Kenneth Fitzgerald

Hicksville

We shouldn’t take Trump’s Gaza comments seriously.

This is another psychological ploy by Trump to put Middle East leaders on the defensive.

Let’s face it: There is a humanitarian crisis, yet neighboring countries aren’t opening their arms to welcome Gazans.

At the same time, Gaza lies in ruins.

By proposing the unimaginable, Trump is trying to bring key players to the table for real solutions — as evident in Benjamin Netanyahu’s reaction.

Trump made it clear that rebuilding won’t happen by simply handing over money.

That approach has failed before, leading only to squandered funds with no real progress for Gazans.

These are just preliminary discussions, but Trump knows how to set the region in motion.

And let us not forget: the greatest obstacle remains Hamas.

Ronald G. Frank

West Orange, NJ

If all politics is local, then why all the talk about the United States taking over Gaza?

Whatever happened to the notion of “America First?”

Denny Freidenrich

Laguna Beach, Calif

Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.