Donald Trump’s presidency saw several significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His administration took bold steps that deeply impacted the region, and his stance toward Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue was part of a broader, often controversial, approach. However, as of my last update, there is no verified record of Trump proposing a plan to “depopulate Gaza” or bring it under U.S. control. That being said, I can explore key actions and policies that defined Trump’s approach to the region.
Trump’s Middle East Policy: A New Direction
One of the most defining features of Trump’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was his administration’s clear alignment with Israel. The U.S. under Trump took several steps that were seen as groundbreaking and, in many cases, highly contentious.
1. The Jerusalem Embassy Move
In December 2017, President Trump made the historic decision to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This move angered Palestinian leaders and much of the Arab world, as East Jerusalem is considered by Palestinians as the capital of a future Palestinian state. However, Trump’s administration emphasized the importance of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and seeing it as a gesture of support for Israel.
2. The “Peace to Prosperity” Plan
In January 2020, Trump’s administration unveiled its long-awaited peace plan, which was dubbed the “Peace to Prosperity” plan. The proposal, which was developed largely by Trump’s son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner, suggested a two-state solution in theory but offered terms heavily favorable to Israel. The plan proposed recognizing Israeli sovereignty over large portions of the West Bank and offered only limited autonomy for a future Palestinian state.
Many critics of the plan, including Palestinian leaders, rejected it outright, arguing that it disregarded key Palestinian demands, including the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the borders of a potential Palestinian state. The plan also proposed economic investments in Gaza and the West Bank, but critics viewed it as a way of legitimizing Israel’s territorial expansion while leaving Palestinians with a fragmented and diminished state.
3. Normalization of Relations Between Israel and Arab States
One of the more unexpected and widely noted achievements of Trump’s presidency in the Middle East was the Abraham Accords, agreements brokered by the U.S. that led to the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. While the agreements were seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, they were also controversial because they largely ignored the Palestinian issue.
The accords were hailed by Trump as a significant achievement in promoting peace and stability in the region. However, critics pointed out that they also represented a shift away from traditional Arab support for Palestinian statehood, as the Arab nations involved prioritized economic, military, and security benefits from Israel over advocating for Palestinian rights.
4. The U.S. Withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal and the “Maximum Pressure” Campaign
Trump’s administration also pursued a confrontational policy toward Iran, viewing the country as a destabilizing force in the Middle East. His decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, followed by a “maximum pressure” campaign, led to increased tensions in the region. While the focus was primarily on countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence, this policy affected the broader context in which Israeli and Palestinian issues were viewed, especially in terms of military and diplomatic alignments.
5. Gaza and the Humanitarian Situation
During his tenure, the situation in Gaza remained dire, with periodic outbreaks of violence between Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that governs Gaza, and Israel. Trump’s policies generally focused on supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, while his administration cut U.S. aid to Palestinian Authority institutions and humanitarian organizations working in Gaza, including UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees). Critics of this approach argued that it exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where living conditions were already extreme due to the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt.
The Trump administration’s stance was to hold the Palestinian Authority accountable for its leadership and actions, while Israel’s security concerns were always prioritized in discussions surrounding Gaza. There were no substantial efforts to bring about a comprehensive solution to the Gaza conflict beyond calls for Palestinian political unity, which remained elusive.
Legacy and Criticisms
Trump’s legacy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is highly contentious. His policies were largely framed as being pro-Israel, but they also left many questions unanswered regarding the long-term future of Palestinian aspirations for statehood. His approach alienated many Palestinians, who saw his policies as further entrenching Israeli occupation and undermining their hopes for an independent state.
On the other hand, his administration’s close ties with Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were celebrated by Israel and its supporters. The focus on economic incentives and diplomatic normalization between Israel and Arab countries also left an imprint on how Middle Eastern countries view the Palestinian issue—largely sidelining it in favor of strategic alliances with Israel.
Conclusion
While Donald Trump’s administration took bold and often controversial steps in its Middle East policy, including regarding Gaza, there was no proposal to “depopulate Gaza” or bring it under U.S. control. Trump’s policies were more focused on shifting the balance of power and aligning more closely with Israel, which had long been a key U.S. ally in the region.
The long-term effects of Trump’s policies on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain a subject of debate. His administration’s actions set the stage for continued geopolitical tension, leaving a divided legacy that continues to affect both U.S. relations with the region and the prospects for peace in the Middle East.
