After the war, Israel will turn over Gaza to the US, Trump says

February 6, 2025 TruthUSA

The president discussed his plans to transform the battle-battered Palestinian enclave on Truth Social.

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that Gaza would ultimately be transferred to the United States by Israel after the conflict ends, as he detailed his vision for the region on Thursday.

Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to explain that the Palestinians would be resettled in safer and more attractive communities with new modern homes in the area. He expressed hope that they would be happy, safe, and free.

“The U.S., along with development teams from around the world, will gradually and carefully begin the construction of one of the most magnificent developments ever seen on Earth. No U.S. soldiers will be required! Stability will prevail in the region!!!” he stated.

These statements followed White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s description of his proposal as groundbreaking “out-of-the-box” thinking on Wednesday. She clarified that the president had not committed to sending U.S. troops to the region, leaving the possibility open.

Leavitt also clarified Trump’s previous suggestion that Gazans should be permanently resettled in neighboring countries. She stated that they were requesting allies in the region like Egypt and Jordan to temporarily accept the 2.1 million Gazans so that their homes could be rebuilt.

“I can confirm that the president is dedicated to rebuilding Gaza and relocating those currently residing there temporarily due to the dire conditions. The president wants these individuals to live in peace. He is dedicated to achieving this with his innovative plan, and further updates will be provided,” she declared.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that the plan involved Gazans leaving temporarily for reconstruction and debris removal. He emphasized that the proposal was aimed at rebuilding, not hostility.

“What the president is offering is the opportunity for the United States to assist in debris clearing, clearing of munitions, and reconstruction to support people returning,” Rubio explained.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump mentioned that the Gaza Strip had been in a state of disaster for decades and suggested that the U.S. could develop and oversee the territory for long-term stability.

He highlighted the exceptional potential of the area and envisioned it being rebuilt as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Netanyahu praised the proposal as “remarkable” and encouraged further exploration of the idea.

Following Wednesday’s White House statement, Israel’s defense minister instructed the army on Thursday to prepare a plan for the “voluntary departure” of Gaza residents.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would aim to assume control of Gaza and revitalize the region.

“I appreciate President Trump’s bold plan, and Gaza residents should have the freedom to leave and emigrate, as is customary globally,” Katz wrote on the social media platform X.

He outlined his plan to include exit options via land crossings, as well as special arrangements for sea and air departures.

Katz also called on countries opposing Israel’s military operations in Gaza to accept Palestinian residents.

“Countries like Spain, Ireland, Norway, and others, which have criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, are legally obligated to welcome Gaza residents. Their refusal would expose their hypocrisy. Countries like Canada have shown willingness to welcome Gaza residents in the past,” he stated.

Hamas official Basem Naim asserted that Palestinians have a strong attachment to their land and would never leave. He accused Katz of trying to cover up Israel’s failure to achieve its goals in the Gaza conflict.

Furthermore, Trump’s comments faced criticism in the region, with Saudi Arabia rejecting the proposal outright and Jordan’s King Abdullah, who will visit the White House next week, stating his opposition to any attempts to annex land or displace Palestinians.

Additionally, Iran rejected the proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, with foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei categorically dismissing the plan as part of Israel’s attempt to eliminate the Palestinian people.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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