In a seismic move catching everyone off guard, US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would assume control of the Gaza Strip, dismantling unexploded bombs, clearing destroyed buildings, and launching economic development projects in the region.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump described the move as a significant step towards lasting peace following a ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it. We'll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site and getting rid of the destroyed buildings. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” Trump announced at the conference.
Expressing optimism about the recent ceasefire deal, Trump said, “I'm hopeful that this ceasefire could be the beginning of a larger and more enduring peace that will end the bloodshed and killing once and for all.”
Also read: Trump, Netanyahu discuss Gaza war, eliminating Hamas
The President also took a hardline stance against Iran and certain United Nations agencies, announcing America's withdrawal from the "anti-semitic" UN Human Rights Council and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which he accused of links to Hamas.
“Today I also took action to restore our maximum pressure policy on the Iranian regime. We will once again enforce the most aggressive possible sanctions, drive Iranian oil exports to zero, and diminish the regime's capacity to fund terror throughout the region and the world,” Trump asserted.
Earlier in the day, Trump indicated that his vision for Gaza did not heavily involve the Palestinians, suggesting that many of them should relocate.
“I don't think people should be going back to Gaza. They live like they're living in hell. Gaza is not a place for people to be living, and the only reason they want to go back, and I believe this strongly, is because they have no alternative,” he said.
Trump’s comments further sparked controversy when he suggested a "long-term ownership position" for the US in Gaza, claiming that the idea was widely supported.
“This was not a decision made lightly. Everybody I've spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent,” Trump said.
Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to meet Trump after his return to the White House, held discussions on regional stability and cooperation during the high-profile meeting.
This is not the first time Trump has made such proposals. Last month, he suggested 'cleaning up' the entire Gaza Strip and proposed relocating Palestinians to neighbouring countries, including Jordan and Egypt.
The President stated that he had discussed the relocation of Palestinians with Jordan’s King Abdullah II during a phone conversation.
Trump's latest statements have once again drawn global attention, with critics and allies alike questioning the 'practicality' and 'implications' of the unprecedented move.
Also read: Trump announces withdrawal from UNHRC, halts Palestine funds
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