President Trump has proposed that the United States should take full control of the Gaza Strip after suggesting the relocation of Palestinians to neighboring countries.
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Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump doubled down on his proposal and described it as a long-term solution, according to the New York Post. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out and create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” he explained. However, the plan involves relocating 2 million Palestinians, with no rights to return to the Gaza Strip. “Just can’t go back. If you go back, it’s going to end up the same way it has for 100 years,” Trump continued.
Netanyahu, who has long called for alternative solutions to Palestinian rule in Gaza, appeared to support Trump’s idea, calling it a “historic opportunity” and a “vision worth considering.” President Trump was also asked if he would send American troops to enforce the takeover, to which he responded, “If it’s necessary,”
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Trump’s plan has met backlash from critics as it raised concerns regarding human rights. Hamas, which still holds partial control in Gaza, has yet to issue an official response. But Egyptian and Jordanian leaders—whom Trump suggested should take in displaced Palestinians—have already rejected the idea outright.