The President of the United States, Donald Trump, reiterated this Sunday his intention to take control of the Gaza Strip.
In his statements, he compared this goal to his previous desire to acquire Greenland, asserting that his plan would include "buying" Gaza and "owning" it.
"I am committed to buying and owning Gaza. Regarding its reconstruction, we can give it to other states in the Middle East to rebuild parts of it," the president stated aboard Air Force One while traveling to New Orleans to attend the Super Bowl.
"Other people may be able to do it, under our sponsorship. But we are determined to own it, take charge of it, and ensure that Hamas does not return", he added.
Plans for Gaza and the Future of its Inhabitants
Trump has proposed turning Gaza into "the Riviera of the Middle East", leaving the fate of its more than two million inhabitants uncertain. During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Tuesday, he indicated that Gazans should be resettled in other Arab countries, such as Egypt or Jordan, because "it's a place of demolition."
According to the U.S. president, this relocation would be permanent, although the White House later clarified that it could be temporary.
In his statements this Sunday, Trump avoided clarifying the future of displaced Palestinians, although he asserted that "it is a big mistake to allow the people living in Gaza, the Palestinians, to return once again."
He also stated that Gazans "do not wish to return," but express their intention to do so only because "they have nowhere else to go."
However, he promised that in Gaza "beautiful places will be built for the people, so that Palestinians can live in peace and harmony for the first time in centuries."
Trump also addressed the delicate ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza, expressing his frustration with Hamas's compliance.
"They looked like survivors of the Holocaust. They were in horrible condition, skin and bones," he said about three recently released Israeli hostages.
"I don't know how much longer we will be able to endure this... at some point, we are going to lose our patience," he added.
International rejection and criticism of his proposal
Trump's statements have been met with enthusiasm by the Israeli far right, which advocates for the expulsion of Palestinians, but they have generated widespread rejection in the international community, especially among Arab countries.
Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq described Trump's statements as a display of "deep ignorance" about Palestine and the Middle East, labeling them as "absurd."
"Gaza is not a property that can be bought and sold, and it is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land", it stated in a statement.
In addition, he criticized Trump's mindset, asserting that "approaching the Palestinian issue with the mentality of a real estate investor is the recipe for failure", and that "the Palestinian people will thwart any plan for displacement or deportation."
The leader of Hamas, Khalil al-Hayya, also rejected the proposal, stating that the American tycoon's plans are "doomed to failure."
Reactions in Israel and new diplomatic meetings
The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, ordered the military to prepare a plan to facilitate the "free departure" of civilians who wish to leave Gaza.
Upon landing in Israel on Sunday, Netanyahu described his recent visit to the United States as "historic," emphasizing "enormous achievements that can ensure Israel's security for generations."
Although he didn't provide details, he claimed to have spoken with Trump about a "revolutionary and creative vision" for the future management of Gaza that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority.
The future of Gaza will be the central topic of the meeting scheduled for this Tuesday at the White House between Trump and King Abdullah of Jordan, whose government has confirmed the monarch's visit to Washington.
Subsequently, the Egyptian head of state, Abdelfattah al-Sisi, and the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, will also visit the U.S. presidential residence.
The three Arab leaders have strongly rejected Trump's plan and advocate for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Statements and the Future of Gaza
What is Trump's plan for Gaza?
Trump plans for the United States to buy and own Gaza, with the intention of rebuilding it and transforming it into "the Riviera of the Middle East." According to his statements, this plan includes resettling the residents of Gaza in other Arab countries and undertaking reconstruction under the sponsorship of the U.S. and other states in the region.
How has the international community reacted to Trump's statements about Gaza?
The statements made by Trump have generated a widespread rejection in the international community, especially among Arab countries. Leaders of Hamas and other groups have harshly criticized his proposal, deeming it ignorantly absurd and warning that any attempt at displacement will be thwarted by the Palestinian people.
What implications would Trump's plan have for the residents of Gaza?
Trump's plan involves the resettlement of the inhabitants of Gaza in other Arab countries, such as Egypt or Jordan. Although the idea has been proposed that this relocation could be temporary, Trump's statements suggest it would be a permanent change. The reconstruction of Gaza under U.S. control also includes the removal of explosives and the creation of new infrastructure.
What is Israel's position on Trump's plan regarding Gaza?
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has expressed support for Trump's proposal, calling the president "Israel's best friend." However, no specific details have been provided on how the plan would be implemented, and reactions within Israel have been diverse, with support mainly coming from far-right sectors.
Filed under:
