In a joint press conference late Tuesday at the White House, the United States President announced an extraordinary plan regarding the Gaza Strip. He declared that the US would “take over” Gaza and manage its rebuilding and development. “The United States will take over the Gaza Strip, and we’ll handle it. We’ll make it ours,” the President declared.
This bold announcement came as discussions centered around the truce with Hamas and addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza. When asked if US troops might be deployed to secure the territory, the President did not rule out the possibility. “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that,” he said.
The President outlined a vision to clear unexploded bombs, remove destroyed infrastructure, and create jobs and housing to transform Gaza. However, he also suggested a controversial idea of relocating the two million residents to other Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, despite these countries and the Palestinians rejecting such proposals. “It shouldn’t be rebuilt or occupied by the same people who have endured a miserable existence there,” he stated.
Vision for Gaza: “Riviera of the Middle East”
As part of his long-term plan for Gaza, the President painted an optimistic picture of the region’s future under US management. He expressed a vision of transforming Gaza into a global tourist destination. “The Riviera of the Middle East,” he called it, suggesting that the area could welcome people from all over the world, including Palestinians who chose to stay. “This could be something magnificent,” he emphasized.
The President shared his belief that “everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land.” However, his comments have sparked significant debate due to their implications for Gaza’s people and the broader Middle East.
While the development plan sounds ambitious, the President’s suggestion that Palestinians should relocate elsewhere in the region has drawn attention. He described this as an opportunity for the Palestinian people to find better lives in countries with “humanitarian hearts.” Critics have pointed out that such proposals have been rejected by regional neighbors and have raised questions about the feasibility and morality of relocating an entire population.
Netanyahu Praises “The Greatest Friend of Israel”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu used the press conference to praise the US President, describing him as “the greatest friend Israel has ever had in the White House.” He expressed deep gratitude for the President’s unwavering support for Israel during challenging times. Netanyahu’s comments underlined a strong alliance between the two leaders, which has been a defining feature of their respective tenures.
Netanyahu highlighted three key objectives in Gaza: eliminating Hamas, freeing hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses any threat to Israel. He stressed that Israel’s victory in the region would also be a victory for the United States. “Israel will conclude the war by securing victory, and Israel’s triumph will also be a triumph for America,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also expressed his approval of the US President’s willingness to “puncture conventional thinking,” adding that he believed this bold approach could help secure Israel’s future. Additionally, Netanyahu said that Israel had a critical job to “finish in Gaza” and called for continued US support in achieving its goals.
Both leaders appeared united in their vision for the future of the Gaza Strip, though their plans have already sparked considerable controversy.
