U.S. President Donald Trump expressed on Tuesday his intention for the United States to assume control of the Gaza Strip and initiate redevelopment efforts following the relocation of Palestinians.
At the commencement of a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “We will take ownership and be accountable for the removal of all hazardous unexploded ordnance and other munitions present in the area.”
When questioned about the prospect of the U.S. maintaining a long-term presence in the territory, Trump affirmed, “I envision a sustained ownership role,” and indicated that he does not dismiss the possibility of deploying U.S. military personnel to ensure security in Gaza.
Courtesy MSNBC
He further remarked that the U.S. would undertake the demolition of ruined structures and “foster economic development that will generate an abundance of jobs and housing for the local population.”
Netanyahu, whose forces have been engaged in extensive conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza for over a year, commended Trump for “thinking outside the box with innovative ideas” and for demonstrating a “willingness to challenge conventional perspectives.”
Trump indicated that this action would foster stability in the region, stating, “This is not a decision made lightly.”
“Everyone I have consulted is in favor of the United States acquiring that parcel of land.”
Nevertheless, Saudi Arabia, an important U.S. ally in the area, emphasized in a statement its opposition to any efforts to displace Palestinians from their homeland and asserted that it would not normalize relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Trump’s remarks followed shortly after he proposed that displaced Palestinians in Gaza be “permanently” relocated outside the conflict-ridden area.
Currently, residing in Gaza is not feasible. I believe we should consider an alternative location, Trump stated .
“It is essential to select a place that will bring joy to the people. Over the years, Gaza has been synonymous with death and destruction. This situation has persisted for an extended period. If we can establish a beautiful area for permanent resettlement, where individuals can live in comfortable homes, free from the threat of violence and death, it would be a significant improvement compared to the current circumstances in Gaza.”
Previously, Trump has urged Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations to temporarily accommodate Palestinians while Gaza undergoes reconstruction following the devastating conflict between Hamas and Israel, which was halted in January due to a ceasefire. This Tuesday marked the first occasion he has suggested that such resettlement could be made permanent.
Israel has launched a military offensive that, as reported by local health officials, has resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians and has displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s population.
The scale of casualties and devastation has led to accusations of genocide against Israel, which the country denies, asserting that it operates within the framework of international law and has the right to defend itself following the attack by Hamas.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.