The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced that the U.S. is prepared to occupy the Gaza Strip long-term and create opportunities for economic development there.
He made this statement during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. "The U.S. will take control of the Gaza Strip. We will undertake work there: clear the landmines, level the area, and demolish the destroyed buildings. We will create economic development and an unlimited number of jobs and housing for people in the region," Trump shared his plans.
Additionally, he suggested that the residents of Gaza relocate to a new location provided by one or several Middle Eastern countries. Among the countries mentioned by the American president for resettling the Palestinians were Egypt and Jordan. "They are there [in Gaza] because they have no alternative. What do they have? Right now, it's just a large pile of rubble," Trump stated.
He also expressed that he anticipates a "long-term ownership" of the Gaza Strip by the U.S.
"I see a long-term ownership position, and I believe this will bring stability to this part of the Middle East and possibly to the entire Middle East," Trump stated, adding that "everyone likes this idea."
In turn, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked that the idea "deserves attention." He added that it is important for his country to ensure that the territory of Gaza no longer poses a threat.
"This is something that can change history," Netanyahu said.
As reported by BBC, Trump's proposal, voiced at the press conference, surprised those present. "Few expected the American president to make such calls. Now the White House needs to clarify all these points," the publication noted.
Trump's intentions have raised concerns among U.S. voters who did not support Biden due to his stance on the Gaza Strip.
Democrats also reacted sharply to the proposal to take control of Gaza. "Is the U.S. going to occupy Gaza? We were promised that there would be no more endless wars. By my count, we've already occupied Greenland, Canada, the Panama Canal, and now… Gaza?" commented California Congressman Eric Swalwell on social media platform X.
Authorities in Arab countries contacted by CNN expressed confusion over Trump's comments. One official stated that this is "difficult to understand and digest." Another diplomat added that Trump's statements threaten the ceasefire agreements in the Gaza Strip.
Trump's Controversial Statements
Previously, Trump provoked Canada to become the 51st state of the U.S., which outraged Canadians and the country's authorities. The American president also claimed that he needed to take control of Greenland.