Trump wants to buy Gaza: “Everybody loves the idea”

Donald Trump
Trump's proposal: Empty Gaza and let the US take over

Hans Österman

Updated 16.51 | Published 01.25

Quick version

• Donald Trump is proposing that Gaza be evacuated from Palestinians and that the area be taken over by the US.
• He believes that the Palestinians should be moved to other countries in the region, such as Jordan and Egypt, for a permanent solution.
• Trump's statement was met with critical reactions, both from Hamas and politicians in his own country.

Trump made his statements at a joint press conference with Netanyahu. Photo: Evan Vucci / AP

With the Israeli Prime Minister at his side, Donald Trump said that Gaza should be emptied of Palestinians.

Instead, the US should take over, according to the president

- We're going to own it. Look, the Gaza thing hasn't worked, he said.

       

      Trump wants to buy Gaza: “Everybody loves the idea”

Trump’s statements were made in several rounds on Tuesday evening in connection with his reception of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

After their meeting, they held a joint press conference.

Trump suggested that the Palestinian population, almost two million people, be permanently moved from Gaza.

– Why would they want to return? The place has been hell, Trump said.

He suggested that they be moved to other countries in the region “with humanitarian hearts” and singled out Jordan and Egypt.

– I would like to see Jordan, I would like Egypt to take some. Look, the Gaza thing has not worked. It has never worked, he said according to Sky News.

Trump: “Everybody loves the idea”

Trump also stated that Gaza should become American and did not rule out sending soldiers to make it a reality.

– The United States will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a good job of it. We will own it and defuse all the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons there, level the place and get rid of all the destroyed buildings, he said, according to CNN.

The press conference was at times loud as surprised reporters competed to ask follow-up questions. Photo: Alex Brandon / AP

He also used the words “long-term ownership position”.

– This is not a decision taken lightly. Everyone I have spoken to loves the idea of ​​the United States owning that area of ​​land and developing it and creating thousands of jobs. I have studied this very carefully for many months and I have examined it from all different angles.

Trump also opened up to rethinking the plan for a two-state solution that he himself supported in 2020.

– Well, many plans change over time. Many have died since I left and came back. Now we face a situation that is different, he said according to the AP.

Trump: “The Riviera of the Middle East”

When asked who will live in Gaza, Trump said:

– People will live there. People of the world.

When asked again if that also includes Palestinians, he answered yes. He also said:

– I don’t want to be rude, I don’t want to be a wiseguy. But this could be the Riviera of the Middle East.

Trump did not mention anything about the international law aspects of taking over an independent territory and driving out its population. When asked how many Palestinians will leave Gaza, he replied:

– All of them. I would think they would be happy. I don’t think they will say no to me.

Hamas’s response: “Creating chaos”

However, Hamas, which rules Gaza, was quick to do just that. Spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said, according to the New York Times,New York Times, that Trump’s proposal is “a recipe for chaos and tension in the region”:

– Our people in Gaza will not allow these plans. What is needed is an end to the occupation and aggression against our people, not to drive them out of their land.

Netanyahu: “Higher level”

Benjamin Netanyahu smiled several times next to Trump, praised him for “thinking outside the box” and called him “the best friend Israel has ever had.”

– President Trump is taking it to a much higher level. He sees a different future for a territory that has been the focus of so much terrorism, so many attacks against us. He has a different idea, he said, according to the Times of Israel.

However, Trump faced internal opposition from both party members and opponents. Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley told the New York Times:

– Putting a lot of money into Gaza is not the best use of American resources. I would prefer it to be spent in the United States first.

Benjamin Netanyahu smiled in apparent surprise at Trump's remarks, but hailed them as "fresh ideas outside the box." Photo: Alex Brandon / AP