President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that the US would assume control of the Gaza Strip, following his remarks advocating for the relocation of Palestinians from the conflict-ravaged area.
“We will rebuild and own it,” said the US president.
He earlier proposed the permanent resettlement of Palestinians from war-torn Gaza to neighbouring Arab nations, calling the enclave a “demolition site.” During a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump reiterated his stance that Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab states should take in Gazans, suggesting that rebuilding Gaza is not a viable option after nearly 16 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Trump’s latest remarks mark a shift from his previous stance, now advocating for the permanent relocation of Palestinians rather than temporary displacement. He emphasised that with sufficient financial support, better housing could be provided in alternative locations, claiming Gazans would prefer to leave rather than return to the devastation.
Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump, the first foreign leader visit since Trump’s return to office, underscores their close alliance. The discussion focused on maintaining the fragile Gaza ceasefire, countering Iran, and advancing a possible Israeli-Saudi normalization agreement. However, Netanyahu may face pressure from Trump’s broader Middle East strategy, which could conflict with Israel’s domestic political landscape.