Trump Proposes US Ownership of Gaza Strip for Stability and Development
President Donald Trump stated during a press conference on Tuesday evening that the U.S. will "take over the Gaza Strip," level it, and rebuild the area. This statement came after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump declared, "The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too," emphasizing that the U.S. would own it and be responsible for dismantling dangerous explosives and weapons present in the region.
"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," Trump stated. "Do a real job. Do something different. Just can't go back. If you go back, it's going to end up the same way it has for 100 years."
Netanyahu is the first world leader to meet with Trump at the White House since he began his second administration.
When discussing the takeover of the Gaza Strip, Trump mentioned he could envision a "long term ownership position" that could foster stability across the Middle East.
"I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East," he explained. "Everybody I've spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent."
The two leaders also addressed the current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Iran's influence in the region, and the resettlement of Gaza residents in other nations.
"In our meetings today, the prime minister and I focused on the future, discussing how we can work together to ensure Hamas is eliminated and ultimately restore peace to a very troubled region," Trump said.
Trump described the Gaza Strip as "a symbol of death and destruction for so many decades," emphasizing that rebuilding should not involve those who have historically occupied the land.
Netanyahu praised Trump's innovative approach during the press conference, stating, "Your willingness to puncture conventional thinking... will help us achieve all these goals."
He concluded by asserting that "Israel's victory will be America's victory," and together, they will win both war and peace.
