Trump proposes U.S. control of Gaza to boost stability
The United States is prepared to take control of the Gaza Strip and transform it into the "Riviera of the Middle East."
This declaration was made by President Donald Trump following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He promised rapid economic development and thousands of job opportunities for the Palestinian enclave. Trump also suggested that the residents of Gaza could relocate to other countries, with the costs covered by the host nations. These remarks have caused confusion, and the Hamas group has strongly opposed the plan.
"The U.S. will take control of Gaza, and we will maintain it. We will disarm all dangerous unexploded bombs and weapons in the area. We will remove the destroyed buildings and clean everything up. Economic development will provide unlimited jobs and housing for the people of the region," said President Trump.
Trump called Gaza a "symbol of death and destruction" and stated that the only reason people want to return there is that they have nowhere else to go. He did not rule out deploying American troops to the enclave and suggested that the population could move to Egypt and Jordan, with those countries covering the costs of relocation.
"Gaza is hell right now. Honestly, it was even before the bombings. We will give people a chance to live in a beautiful, safe community. I believe we will see extraordinary support. I've spoken with leaders from other Middle Eastern countries, and they like the idea," the U.S. leader added.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu believes Trump's proposals are worth considering, as they could change history.
"President Trump has taken this issue to a completely different level. He sees the future of this territory differently. It has become the epicenter of terrorism, attacks against us, and endless attempts and suffering. He has a different vision, and I believe it deserves serious attention," Netanyahu remarked.
Trump's statements took journalists at the press conference by surprise, as reported by BBC. CNN contacted several Arab diplomats who expressed their confusion, while Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its position on the creation of a Palestinian state.
Israelis received the news with optimism, hoping for stability, while Palestinians firmly stated that they intend to remain on their land.
"We are determined to stay on our land. Whoever wants to rebuild should not expel us under the pretext of reconstruction. America helped Israel with this destruction, so it must rebuild. You cannot tell us we must leave for you to rebuild."
"Trump's call to resettle Palestinians in Jordan, Egypt, or any other Arab or Islamic country will be rejected by both Arab countries and Palestinians. How can a Palestinian, whose ancestors died on this land, go to Egypt, Jordan, or any other country? The proposal will be rejected by the Palestinian people because their national and ethnic identity is rooted in this land."
Hamas officials rejected the U.S. president's proposals, calling them a "racist plan." They stated that Trump's statements about taking control of Gaza are "absurd" and could destabilize the Middle East.
"We firmly reject President Trump's statements about deporting the Palestinian people from Gaza and about U.S. control of this territory. These statements reflect a profound ignorance of Palestine and the region. Gaza is not property that can be bought and sold. We call on the U.S. president to retract these statements as they are pouring fuel on the fire," said Izzat al-Risheq, a Hamas representative.
Several pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the White House while President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to present his proposal to "take control" of Gaza. Some human rights activists have compared the idea to ethnic cleansing, stating that forced relocation of the population would violate international law and would be strongly contested not only in the region but also by Washington's Western allies.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
