US President Donald Trump proposed taking ownership of the Gaza Strip and redeveloping it, after saying earlier that Palestinians should move out of the region.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said on Tuesday during a joint conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump made the comments after meeting with the Israeli leader at the White House. Netanyahu responded, saying the idea is “worth paying attention to.”
The US president has previously said that neighboring nations could take in displaced Palestinians from Gaza – a proposal that was rejected by Arab nations. Asked about the idea, Trump said that he envisions “a long-term ownership position.”
“We will own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site,” Trump said. He added that “everyone loves the idea” and that the US would “create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.”
“This could be the Riviera of the Middle East,” Trump said. Trump was asked by a reporter if Palestinians who leave Gaza will be allowed to resettle there in the future. “Who do you envision living there?” he was asked. The US president responded: “People living there. The world’s people,” adding it would include Palestinians. The comments attracted criticism from some lawmakers, who rejected the notion of Gaza ownership. “I have news for you – we aren’t taking over Gaza,” said Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy on X, adding that Trump has “totally lost it.”
Saudi Arabia also said its commitment to establishing an independent, Palestinian state is “firm and unshakable,” adding that “a permanent and just peace cannot be achieved without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights.”
Credit: BBC