Trump Proposes Gaza 'Freedom Zone' Amid Israeli Strikes
U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed a controversial vision for Gaza, suggesting the United States "take" the Palestinian territory and transform it into a "freedom zone" as Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate the region, killing dozens overnight.
Speaking during a visit to Qatar on Thursday, Trump outlined his plan, saying, “I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good—make it a freedom zone. Let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone.” He added, “I’d be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone.”
Trump’s remarks come amid a second consecutive night of intense Israeli bombardments on the Gaza Strip, with at least 54 people killed in overnight airstrikes in the southern city of Khan Younis, according to the morgue at Nasser Hospital, as reported by the Associated Press. Among the dead was Al Araby TV journalist Hasan Samour and 11 of his family members, the network confirmed via social media.
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 13 people were pulled from rubble following a dawn strike, while another 35 fatalities were confirmed from 12 separate attacks across the besieged territory. Additional reports said a woman was killed by artillery fire and a man shot dead in the south.
This latest wave of violence follows airstrikes a day earlier that claimed at least 70 lives, including nearly two dozen children, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis unfolding under Israel’s ongoing military campaign.
Despite his presence in the region, Trump’s itinerary notably does not include a stop in Israel. Instead, his four-day Middle East tour focuses on Gulf nations. He is expected to visit a U.S. military installation and hold meetings with business leaders in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Meanwhile, the Israeli blockade on Gaza has entered its third month, with alarming warnings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Nearly 500,000 Palestinians are at risk of starvation, while another 1 million struggle with limited access to food and essential supplies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed plans to intensify military operations against Hamas, aiming to dismantle the militant group. However, the escalation is drawing international concern.
Human Rights Watch issued a stark warning, stating that Israel’s plans to seize and remain in Gaza, forcibly displacing hundreds of thousands, “inches closer to extermination.” The organization urged the global community to intervene and condemn such actions.
In a separate development, a pregnant Israeli woman critically injured in a West Bank shooting has died, hospital officials confirmed. Doctors at Beilinson Hospital managed to save her baby through emergency caesarean delivery. The infant remains in serious but stable condition.
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