US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States will take control of Gaza, citing “US authority” as justification. His remarks came during a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House, where he discussed his vision for the region.
Trump stated that the US would secure and manage Gaza to ensure peace and stability. He emphasised that no one would question the move and that the region would be governed properly under American oversight.
He also suggested plans to transform Gaza into a developed area with resorts and office buildings.
When questioned about how the US could take control of a sovereign territory, Trump responded simply, “Under US authority.” He rejected the idea of purchasing the land, stating that there was nothing to buy. According to him, the area has been devastated by war, and the US would take charge, rebuild, and create jobs for the Middle East’s people. He described Gaza as a potential “diamond” in the region.
Trump denied having personal financial interests in the redevelopment of Gaza. He also avoided direct responses regarding his previous warnings that US aid to Jordan and Egypt could be affected if they did not agree to resettle displaced Palestinians.
Instead, he praised the US relationship with Jordan and assured that no financial threats were necessary.
The President mentioned that he expects both Jordan and Egypt to allocate land for the resettlement of Palestinians. However, he added that alternative locations were also being considered and that final decisions would be made after further discussions.
King Abdullah announced that Jordan would take in 2,000 Palestinian children suffering from severe illnesses, including cancer. Trump, who claimed he was not previously aware of this plan, welcomed the decision and described it as “fantastic.”
The ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas were also discussed. Trump expressed doubt that Hamas would meet the upcoming Saturday deadline to release remaining hostages.
He suggested that the Palestinian group might attempt to delay negotiations, but he remained confident that a resolution would be reached.
Hamas has insisted that it has fulfilled its obligations under the ceasefire agreement and has accused Israel of violating key provisions.
On Tuesday, its military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, announced that the next scheduled hostage release would be postponed until Israel adhered to the agreement’s terms.
Trump hinted that the US could become involved if the deadline was not met. His position was echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned that if hostages were not returned by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire would be terminated and military operations in Gaza would resume.
The ceasefire, which has been in place since January 19, was designed to bring an end to months of conflict. More than 48,000 people, primarily women and children, have lost their lives in the war, and much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble.
Severe shortages of essential supplies continue due to restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Under the truce’s first phase, which is set to last until early March, 33 Israeli hostages are to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The next scheduled exchange was expected to take place this week.
Follow us
