WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Donald Trump announced a plan for the United States to assume control of the Gaza strip. He proposed relocating approximately two million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries.

It’s a proposal that has met both support and harsh criticism as the president says Hamas is the reason for the problems in Gaza.

During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump said the U.S. should take ownership of the Gaza strip.

“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip,” said Trump.

The president suggested resettling around two million Palestinian residents to neighboring countries, intending to transform Gaza into a thriving region under U.S. control.

“Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings. Level it out. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” said Trump.

President Trump said doing so would promote stability in the region.

“Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land,” said Trump.

He is also not ruling out the possibility of sending troops to secure Gaza.

“As far as Gaza is concerned. We’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that,” said Trump.

This proposal is a departure from the longstanding U.S. position which supported a two-state solution.

“It doesn’t mean anything about a two state or one state or any other state. It means that we want to have a- we want to give people a chance at life,” said Trump.

President Trump also said he plans to visit Israel and will possibly make a trip to Gaza.

Egypt, Jordan and other American allies in the Middle Dast have already rejected the idea. Saudi Arabia was quick to put out a statement pushing against the idea and Australia said he it would only support a two-state solution.