WASHINGTON: In a highly controversial statement made on Tuesday, United States (US) President Donald Trump announced that the US would take over the Gaza Strip.
He also suggested that the 2.2 million Palestinians currently residing in the enclave should be permanently resettled in neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
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The declaration came during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
This marks a huge shift in US policy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Trump in his first presidency recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Trump stated that the US would not only take control of Gaza but also be responsible for its reconstruction. “The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too”, said the US president confidently.
He highlighted the need to dismantle unexploded bombs and other weapons in the area, framing the situation as a ‘demolition site’.
The businessman-turned-politician expressed his intention to ‘create’ jobs and ‘develop’ the region, asserting that it would be a ‘project’ the Middle East could take ‘pride’ in.
When questioned about the possibility of deploying American troops to Gaza, Trump responded, “We will do what is necessary”, indicating a willingness to take military action if deemed necessary.
His previous remarks of resettling Gazans sparked outrage across the Arab world, where leaders have long warned against forced displacement of Palestinians from their own homeland occupied by Israel.
His inconsiderate remarks also are reminiscent of the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced during the establishment of Israel state.
Egypt and Jordan have already rejected Trump’s proposal, with Jordan’s King Abdullah scheduled to meet with Trump next week to present his case against the plan.
The forced resettlement of Palestinians would not only provoke anger among the innocent Palestinians but also create tensions with the US’ other Western allies, who have traditionally supported the two-state solution to the decades-long occupation and opposed US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital as well.
As the situation in Gaza remains dire following Israel’s 15-month siege of Gaza that left47,000 Palestinians dead, Trump’s comments come at a time when Arab and European powers are hoping for a permanent ceasefire and a pathway to reconstruction.
However, Trump’s vision of relocating Palestinians to “good, fresh, beautiful” land outside Gaza left many stunned.
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In addition to discussing Gaza, Trump and Netanyahu addressed concerns regarding Iran and its nuclear programme. Trump signed a memorandum aimed at imposing ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran. He reiterated his administration’s stance that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
He also indicated that the US would seek to curb Iranian oil exports as part of this strategy.