Donald Trump has reiterated his plan to take over Gaza, asserting a commitment to purchasing the land and potentially allowing for rebuilding efforts by other Middle Eastern nations. His remarks have provoked strong condemnation from Hamas and Arab nations, who emphasize the illegality of displacing Palestinians and advocate for their rights to remain in Gaza. The diplomatic situation remains complex as stakeholders address the aftermath of violence in the region.
Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to take control of Gaza, expressing his commitment to purchasing the territory and potentially allowing reconstruction efforts by Middle Eastern nations. While aboard Air Force One en route to the Super Bowl in New Orleans, Trump stated, “I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza. As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it.” He emphasized that the area is currently a demolition site and that Hamas must not return to the region.
Trump claimed that Arab nations would agree to resettle Palestinians, stating that many would prefer alternative locations over returning to Gaza. He asserted, “They don’t want to return to Gaza. If we could give them a home in a safer area—the only reason they’re talking about returning to Gaza is they don’t have an alternative.”
Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, condemned Trump’s comments, insisting that Gaza is not merely a commodity subject to sale, but a significant part of Palestinian land. He stressed that Palestinians will resist all plans for their displacement, affirming their territorial rights.
Following his re-election, Trump proposed the U.S. takeover of Gaza, envisioning a grand rebuilding initiative for the region. He elaborated further, suggesting the reclamation of Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East” while facilitating Palestinian resettlement in neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. The Egyptian foreign minister announced attempts to unify Arab nations against Palestinian displacement.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that any forced displacement of Palestinians would violate international law, threaten regional stability, and undermine peace efforts. Currently, Egypt and other Arab nations are directing their focus on rebuilding Gaza in the wake of extensive devastation from Israeli military actions, which have resulted in significant casualties following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.
In summary, Donald Trump has reaffirmed his intentions to acquire Gaza and facilitate its rebuilding, asserting that Palestinians will prefer relocation over returning. His statements have drawn significant backlash from Hamas and Arab leaders, who emphasize the illegality of displacing Palestinians and advocate for their rights to remain in their homeland. The situation remains tense as various stakeholders seek to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Original Source: news.sky.com