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 hand it over to other states in the Middle East to rebuild parts of it," the leader declared aboard Air Force One while traveling to New Orleans to attend the Super Bowl.
"Other people can 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 suggested turning Gaza into "the Riviera of the Near East", leaving the fate of its more than two million residents in question. 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 site 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 the displaced Palestinians, although he asserted that "it is a great mistake to allow the people living in Gaza, the Palestinians, to return once again."
He also stated that the residents of Gaza "do not wish to return," but express their intention to do so only because "they have nowhere else to go."
However, he promised that beautiful places will be built in Gaza "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 over Hamas's compliance.
"They looked like survivors of the Holocaust. They were in terrible 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, particularly among Arab countries.
Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq described Trump's statements as a display of "deep ignorance" regarding 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", he stated in a statement.
Moreover, he criticized Trump's mindset, stating that "approaching the Palestinian issue with the mentality of a real estate investor is a recipe for failure", and that "the Palestinian people will thwart any plans 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 fail."
Reactions in Israel and new diplomatic meetings
Israel's Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, ordered the army to prepare a plan to facilitate the "free exit" of civilians who wish to leave Gaza.
Upon landing in Israel on Sunday, Netanyahu described his recent visit to the United States as "historic" and highlighted "enormous achievements that can ensure Israel's security for generations."
Although he did not provide details, he stated that he had 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, Abdelfatá al Sisi, and the Saudi crown prince, Mohamed bin Salmán, will also visit the U.S. presidential residence.
The three Arab leaders have firmly rejected Trump's plan and advocate for the creation 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 turning it into "the Riviera of the Middle East." According to his statements, this plan includes resettling the inhabitants of Gaza in other Arab countries and conducting 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?
Trump's statements have generated a widespread rejection in the international community, especially among Arab countries. Leaders of Hamas and other groups have harshly criticized his proposal, labeling it as ignorant and absurd, and warning that any attempt to displace 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 of this relocation being temporary has been suggested, Trump's statements indicate that 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 stance on Trump's plan regarding Gaza?
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has shown support for Trump's proposal, describing the leader as "Israel's best friend." However, no specific details have been provided on how the plan would be implemented, and reactions within Israel have been varied, with support mainly from far-right factions.
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