Trump announces bold plan to transform Gaza strip economy
The United States will take control of the Gaza Strip, announced President Donald Trump on Tuesday during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump declared that America will redevelop this area and create an "unlimited numbers of jobs."
"The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all 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," said Trump, causing a stir among journalists.
He clarified that, according to his strong recommendation, the Gaza Strip would belong to the United States long-term. He did not rule out sending American soldiers there.
Trump added that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip should not "go through a process of building 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 that they should be relocated to neighboring Arab countries, which would build housing for them at their own expense in "peace" and "harmony." He mentioned that, although countries like Jordan and Egypt do not currently agree to such an idea, he has a "feeling" that "the King in Jordan and the general in Egypt will open their hearts" and 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 transforming Gaza into a "Riviera of the Middle East," where international people, including Palestinians, will live. He stated that he has been contemplating this for some time, and it is a serious proposal that has the support of Arab countries. When asked whether he would send American soldiers to Gaza, he added that he "will do what is necessary."
Trump's idea was supported by Netanyahu, who stated that one of Israel's goals is to ensure that Gaza is not governed by Hamas, and "President Trump is taking it to a much higher 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 - said Netanyahu.
When asked about recognizing Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (the West Bank), Trump announced that he would have something significant to say on this issue within the next four weeks. He did not directly answer whether America still supports the two-state solution, stating only that he is concerned with ensuring that the region's residents 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 reinstating sanctions.
"I hope we're going to be able to do something so that it doesn't end up in a very catastrophic situation," said Trump. He emphasized that his only condition is ensuring that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons.
Both Trump and Netanyahu also expressed hope for achieving the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only feasible; it’s going to happen. I’m committed to achieving it. And I know the president is committed to achieving it. And I think the Saudi leadership is interested in achieving it. We'll give it a good shot - said Netanyahu.
Saudi Arabia, like most Arab countries, does not officially recognize Israel's statehood. During Trump's previous term, the so-called Abraham Accords were concluded, negotiated with US mediation, normalizing relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco.
Both 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.
Tuesday's visit by Netanyahu was the first visit by a foreign leader during Trump's second term. Before meeting with Trump, the Israeli Prime Minister also held talks with the special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and Elon Musk.
Trump announced that he intends to visit Israel, Gaza, and Saudi Arabia in the near future. According to reports, he is also set to meet King Abdullah of Jordan at the White House next week.
