On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his commitment to acquiring and owning Gaza while indicating that some regions and other nations in the Middle East could reconstruct certain areas of the conflict-stricken territory.
“I am dedicated to the acquisition and ownership of Gaza.” The potential for rebuilding the project could involve delegating sections to various states in the Middle East, with the possibility of collaboration from other entities under our guidance. We are dedicated to taking responsibility, seizing control, and ensuring that Hamas does not regain its position.
While en route to New Orleans for the National Football League Super Bowl championship, Trump addressed reporters aboard Air Force One.
There is no option to return to. The location is currently designated as a demolition site. The remaining structure is set for demolition. “Everything has been demolished,” he stated.
Trump expressed a willingness to entertain the idea of permitting certain Palestinian refugees to enter the United States, indicating that he would evaluate such requests individually.
Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, has condemned former President Trump’s recent comments regarding the purchase and ownership of Gaza, according to a statement released by the group.
“Gaza should not be treated as a commodity for sale.” Rashq emphasised the significance of the land, stating, “It is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land,” and asserted that Palestinians will thwart any attempts at displacement.
Trump has proposed the permanent displacement of Palestinians residing in Gaza, envisioning the establishment of a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
The statement lacked clarity regarding the future of Palestinians, who have faced more than a year of bombardment from Israel following an attack by Hamas in October 2023.
The authority under which the United States would assert a claim over Gaza remains ambiguous. The announcement made by Trump elicited swift criticism from multiple countries.
On Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that former President Trump is expected to engage in discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and potentially Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, specific dates for these meetings were not provided.
During an interview with Fox News’s Maria Bartiromo, the comments were made in response to a query regarding Trump’s newly announced plan to assume control and redevelop the Gaza Strip.
Herzog refrained from disclosing the timing or location of the meetings, and he also did not elaborate on what topics might be addressed. He also highlighted that Trump is scheduled to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah shortly, a detail that Jordan’s state news agency has already reported.
Herzog announced that President Trump is scheduled to engage with prominent Arab leaders, including the king of Jordan, the president of Egypt, and potentially the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.
Engaging with these partners and ensuring their voices are heard in discussions is essential. Herzog emphasised the importance of acknowledging their emotions while also focussing on creating a sustainable plan for the future.
Saudi Arabia has unequivocally dismissed Trump’s Gaza plan, a stance echoed by numerous global leaders.
During a scheduled meeting with President Trump on February 11 in Washington, King Abdullah of Jordan is expected to express concerns regarding a proposal that he believes could incite radicalism, potentially leading to chaos across the Middle East and threatening the peace agreement between Jordan and Israel, according to a report by Reuters earlier this week.
The White House has yet to respond to enquiries for comment. Efforts to reach officials in Cairo and Riyadh were unsuccessful at this time.
