US to assume control of Gaza, create 'Riviera of the Middle East'
The United States will assume control of the Gaza Strip, said US President Donald Trump on Tuesday during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He announced that America would rebuild this area and create an "unlimited number of jobs" there.
- The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too," Trump told reporters. "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. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area. Do a real job. Do something different - said Trump, causing a stir among the journalists.
He clarified that according to his "strong recommendation," the Gaza Strip would belong to the United States long-term and did not rule out sending American soldiers there.
He added that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip should not "go through a process of rebuilding and occupation by the same people that have really stood there and fought for it and lived there and died there and lived a miserable existence there," as it only results in "death and destruction" for the residents. He stated they should be relocated to neighbouring Arab countries, which would build housing for them at their own expense in "peace and harmony." He assessed that although so far countries like Jordan and Egypt do not agree with such an idea, he has a "hunch" that "the king and the general" (King Abdullah of Jordan and President el-Sisi of Egypt) will change their minds.
Breaking the cycle of violence
Trump presented the idea as a way to break the cycle of violence in the region and shared a vision of creating a strong "Riviera of the Middle East" in Gaza, where "international people," including Palestinians, would reside. He mentioned that he had been considering it for some time and that it is a serious proposal that enjoys the support of Arab countries. When asked whether he would send American soldiers to Gaza, he added that "he will do what is necessary."
The idea was supported by Netanyahu, who stated that one of Israel's goals is to ensure that Gaza is not governed by Hamas, and "Trump is taking this idea to the next level".
I think it’s worth paying attention to this. We’re talking about it. He’s exploring it with his people, with his staff. I think it’s something that could change history, and it’s worthwhile really pursuing this avenue - he said.
When asked about recognising Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Trump announced that he would have something important to announce on this issue within the next four weeks. He did not directly answer whether America still supports the two-state solution, only stating that he is concerned with ensuring that the residents of the region live in peace.
Pressure on Iran
Trump also expressed a desire to reach an agreement with Iran despite signing a memorandum earlier on Tuesday to exert "maximum pressure" on the regime in Tehran and reinstate sanctions.
- I hope we will be able to do something to avoid ending up in a very catastrophic situation - said Trump. As he stated, his only condition is to ensure that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons.
Both Trump and Netanyahu also expressed hope for achieving the normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
I think peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only feasible, I think it's going to happen. I'm committed to achieving it. I know the President (Trump)is committed to achieving it, and I think the Saudi leadership is interested to achieve it. So we'll give it a good shot, and I think we'll succeed - said Netanyahu.
Saudi Arabia, like most Arab countries, does not officially recognise Israel's statehood. During Trump's previous term, the Abraham Accords were concluded and negotiated with US mediation, normalising relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.
The United States and Israel aim to extend these accords to include Saudi Arabia. According to previous reports, this was supposed to be one of the main topics of the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump.
Netanyahu's visit on Tuesday was the first by a foreign leader in Trump's second term. Prior to his meeting with Trump, the Israeli Prime Minister also met with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for the Middle East, and Elon Musk.
Trump announced that he intends to visit Israel, Gaza, and Saudi Arabia shortly. According to reports, he is also set to meet King Abdullah of Jordan at the White House next week.
