Jakarta – Arab American and Muslim American leaders, including some who supported Trump in the 2024 election, have responded to Trump’s statement that the U.S. will take over Gaza and relocate Palestinian residents. There are two differing views.
Some of them criticized Trump’s idea, while others still believe that it is the best option for peace in the region.
“We believe that his ideas, no matter how well-intentioned, have upset many people,” said Bishara Bahbah, founder of Arab Americans for Trump, to Reuters, as quoted on Thursday (February 6, 2025).
“We oppose any form of relocation of Palestinians, whether voluntary or forced, from their homeland,” added Bahbah, who helped rally support for Trump in Michigan and other places.
Bahbah still supports Trump. He views Trump’s statement as the best option to avoid further conflict in Gaza.
Another founder of Muslims for Trump, Rabiul Chowdhury, stated that although he is frustrated by the lack of a viable long-term solution for peace in Gaza, he does not regret supporting Trump.
“If we compare Trump’s actions to those of Biden and Harris, the contrast is undeniable—Trump is the better choice,” he said.
It is known that President Joe Biden’s administration in the previous term aligned with Israel during the Gaza war, although it repeatedly urged Israel to do more to minimize civilian casualties. Biden also praised the ceasefire agreement in the region.
Criticism came from Osama Siblani, spokesperson for the Arab American Political Action Committee. He compared Trump’s rhetoric to that of “a madman” and stated that it would not advance peace goals.
“Instead of helping people recover, he is trying to profit from their suffering. I cannot believe a U.S. president would make such a suggestion,” he told Reuters.
Samra’a Luqman, a Yemeni-American who also voted for Trump in the 2024 election, did not support Trump’s idea of taking over Gaza. However, she views Trump as better than the Biden administration.
As previously reported, Trump made a shocking statement during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday (February 4, 2025), according to the New York Times. He stated that the U.S. would take over Gaza and build what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do work there,” said Trump, adding that the U.S. would “own it and be responsible.”
Palestinians in Gaza would be relocated to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.
Trump’s statement has received criticism and condemnation from various parties, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who strongly rejected it and warned the U.S.
“We will not allow our people’s rights to be violated,” Mahmoud said, warning that Gaza is “an integral part of the State of Palestine” and forced relocation would be a serious violation under international law, according to the BBC.
