During his Middle East tour, President Donald Trump once again made headlines, this time with a bold and controversial proposal regarding the war-torn Gaza Strip.
While meeting with business leaders in Doha, Trump reflected on the horrors of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led terror attack on Israel, calling it “one of the worst days in the history of the world, not only in this region.”
“More than 5,000 terrorists burst into the south of the country on that day,” he said, referring to the deadly assault that left 1,200 mostly civilians dead and 251 hostages taken into Gaza. “Hamas,” Trump declared, “is going to have to be dealt with.”
But his comments didn’t stop at condemnation.
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Trump proposed a startling vision for the future of Gaza, stating, “We’re working very hard in Gaza. Gaza has been a territory of death and destruction.” He continued, “I have aerial shots where, I mean, there’s practically no building standing. It’s not like you’re trying to save something. There’s no building. People are living under the rubble of buildings that collapsed, which is not acceptable.”
Then came the statement that sent shockwaves through observers of both politics and prophecy.
“I’d be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone,” Trump said. “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.”
While the exact implications of what “take it” means remain unclear, the phrasing is troubling, especially for those who take God’s covenant with Israel seriously.
America Must Tread Carefully With God’s Promises
The Bible is unambiguous when it comes to the land of Israel. God promised the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
In Genesis 17:8, God declares, “I will give to you and your descendants after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession.” This wasn’t a temporary deal, nor was it subject to foreign development schemes, however well-intentioned.
Scripture also recounts how Israel failed to fully take the land as commanded, resulting in centuries of war, turmoil, and foreign oppression. The ongoing conflict in the region isn’t just political—it’s deeply spiritual.
While America supporting Israel militarily or diplomatically is one thing, claiming or taking land—especially with unclear intentions—crosses a dangerous line. God’s warning in Joel 3:2 is sobering: “I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will put them on trial for what they did to my inheritance, my people Israel, because they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land.”
Turning Gaza into a “freedom zone” sounds noble, but if it means America takes possession of any part of the land promised by God to Israel, then we risk inviting holy judgment. It is one thing to be invited to help stabilize a region; it is entirely another to presume ownership over what God has already decreed belongs to His people.
President Trump’s desire to restore order and prosperity is commendable, but we must not oppose the will of God in the process.
America has been blessed in part because of our historic support of Israel (Gen. 12:3). Let us not now become a nation that brings a curse upon itself by interfering with what God has ordained.
Now that President Trump has reestablished a faith office within his administration, it would behoove him to seek godly counsel on matters as spiritually sensitive as the land of Israel.
This is not just a political issue, it’s a covenant issue. Scripture is clear about the land God promised to Israel, and any move to “take” what the Lord has already given could have serious consequences. One of the many Spirit-filled Christians serving in his faith advisory team must speak up, reminding the administration that “The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine” (Lev. 25:23).
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Wise leadership listens to the counsel of those grounded in God’s Word, especially when decisions may intersect with prophetic territory.
Let our prayers be for peace—yes—but also for wisdom. And let the United States never forget: the land of Israel is not up for grabs.
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure,'” (Ps. 122:6).
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
