Trump Administration Clarifies U.S. Role in Gaza Reconstruction Efforts
President Trump is facing backlash over his comments about potentially taking ownership of Gaza and displacing Palestinians. The White House clarified that no troop commitments or U.S. funding for reconstruction will occur.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Wednesday that President Trump has not committed to deploying troops to Gaza and that U.S. funds will not be allocated for its reconstruction. Trump's previous comments implying potential military action escalated tensions in the region.
At a White House briefing, Leavitt attempted to downplay Trump's earlier assertions about taking ownership of Gaza, proposing instead a limited U.S. involvement. She emphasized that Palestinians would only be temporarily displaced and voiced that no troop commitments had been made, despite Trump's earlier vow to clear the territory.
Critics, including numerous U.S. allies and Palestinian leaders, expressed their outrage over the possible involuntary displacement of over 2 million Gazans. Trump's ambiguous intentions, combined with his bold remarks, highlight a pattern of unpredictability in his approach to international diplomacy.
Leavitt reassured reporters that the U.S. would not fund the reconstruction effort, stressing that Trump aimed to negotiate deals with regional partners rather than occupy Gaza. Despite his suggestion for troop deployment if necessary, Leavitt clarified that American involvement would focus on stabilizing conditions without boots on the ground.
Saudi Arabia's government denounced plans to displace Palestinians, maintaining that it will not normalize relations with Israel without an independent Palestinian state. The U.N. Secretary-General also cautioned against any form of ethnic cleansing in the region.
Germany's Foreign Minister condemned the idea of expelling Palestinians, asserting it is against international law and would lead to further suffering.
Leavitt remarked that Trump has been thinking about this proposal for some time, and it had been shared with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu prior to the recent conference.
Trump's comments also raised concerns among some of his Republican allies, with calls for caution regarding potential troop deployments in a volatile Middle East. Defense officials indicated that no plans to send U.S. troops to Gaza were underway, viewing the notion as unrealistic.
Arab Americans for Peace, a group previously aligned with Trump, announced its name change in response to his controversial remarks about relocating Gazans, reinforcing their commitment to unity and peace among communities.
