Trump says he envisions a ‘long-term ownership position’ of Gaza Strip
During a press conference on Tuesday evening, President Donald Trump announced plans for the U.S. to “take over the Gaza Strip,” level the area, and rebuild it. This statement followed a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it,” Trump said. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons.”
Trump emphasized that the goal would be to clear the area, demolish the damaged buildings, and create an economic development project that would offer jobs and housing to local residents. “We’ll do a real job. Do something different,” he added. “We can’t go back to the way things were. If we do, it’ll end up just like it has for 100 years.”
This was the first visit by a world leader to the White House under Trump’s second administration. When asked about long-term U.S. ownership of Gaza, Trump expressed that such a move could bring stability to the region. “I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe the entire Middle East,” he said. “Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that land. Developing it and creating thousands of jobs. It could be magnificent.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu also weighed in, reiterating that his primary goal is to ensure Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again. He praised Trump’s approach, describing it as a shift away from conventional thinking. “He has a different idea for Gaza. It’s worth paying attention to,” Netanyahu stated.
The two leaders also discussed issues like the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Iran’s influence in the region, and potential relocation for Gaza’s residents. Trump emphasized that the situation in Gaza has been “a symbol of death and destruction for decades,” and that rebuilding should not be left to the same groups that have caused suffering there.
Netanyahu commended Trump’s unconventional approach, praising his willingness to challenge traditional ideas. “You cut to the chase. You see things others refuse to see,” he remarked, highlighting Trump’s ability to think outside the box.