Trump's Gaza comments spark global debate and criticism
Donald Trump caused a stir with his remarks about the potential occupation and reconstruction of Gaza by the United States. The White House clarified that President Donald Trump has not committed to sending American troops to the Gaza Strip at this time. He also emphasized that the United States will not fund its reconstruction.
On Tuesday, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will take control of the Gaza Strip. "We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of 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," said the U.S. President.
The White House explains
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the President has not committed to deploying troops in the Gaza Strip. She said Trump said the United States would not finance its reconstruction.
"His administration is going to work with our partners in the region to reconstruct this region. And let me just take a step back here because this is an out-of-the-box idea," clarified Leavitt.
Trump expressed the expectation that Egypt and Jordan will temporarily accept Palestinian refugees to enable the reconstruction of their homes. Leavitt noted that currently, the Gaza Strip is in a state that prevents everyday life for its residents.
Secretary of State Marc Rubio added that the United States will be responsible for clearing the debris in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that Trump's proposal is not a hostile step, and its details must be refined. Rubio described it as a "noble gesture."
Controversy surrounding Trump's plans
During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump announced that the United States would take control of the Gaza Strip. This statement was met with international criticism. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against attempts at "ethnic cleansing." In a similar tone, representatives of Amnesty International and many leaders and representatives of organizations worldwide have spoken out.
