In a press conference on Feb. 4 with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump announced plans for the United States to take over the Gaza Strip. The announcement has drawn widespread criticism both domestically and abroad, with many Arab-Americans outraged over the move. 

The community of Dearborn, MI, has the largest concentration of Arab-Americans in the nation and was crucial in President Trump’s victory this past fall in the swing state of Michigan. However, some who chose not to support the former Vice President Kamala Harris are rethinking their decisions after Trump’s announcement. Other Trump voters have shown strong support for the president’s actions. Currently, his approval rating is estimated to be around 49%.

While the United States has not announced any official plans to carry out the occupation, Israel ordered its military to prepare for the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from Gaza.