President Donald Trump stated today that “no American troops” would be needed to implement his proposal for the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip and develop this war-torn territory.
The White House also clarified that President Trump’s proposal to relocate Palestinians would be temporary. According to VOA correspondent at the White House, Patsy Widakuswara, this change in stance follows global reactions and warnings from the United Nations against any form of “ethnic cleansing.”
Over 500,000 Palestinians, around a quarter of the population, have returned to the northern part of Gaza. They expressed disregard for President Trump’s statements that the United States would take control of the Palestinian enclave.
“President Trump can only dream of relocating us or expelling us,” said Palestinian Samiha Zaher.
On Tuesday, President Trump was asked whether he would send U.S. troops to take Gaza.
“As far as Gaza is concerned, we will do whatever is necessary. If it’s necessary, we will do that. We’ll take over that piece,” said Trump.
However, on Thursday, President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that “Gaza will be handed over to the United States by Israel at the end of the fighting.”
He added that Palestinians would be “settled in much safer and more beautiful communities, with new, modern homes, in the region.”
He also stated that the U.S. would work “with large teams of builders from around the world” and “gradually and carefully begin to build what would become one of the most marvelous development projects in the world.”
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt further clarified President Trump’s remarks on Wednesday.
“This does not mean military presence in Gaza. It does not mean that American taxpayers will fund these efforts. It means that Donald Trump, who is the best dealmaker on the planet, will make a deal with our partners in the region,” she said.
But regional partners, including Jordan and Egypt—two countries President Trump has pressured to accept Palestinians—opposed this idea.
Jordan’s King Abdullah met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman on Wednesday, while other high-ranking Palestinian officials met with Egypt’s foreign minister in Cairo. They emphasized the need for a solution based on a two-state solution.
The same stance was expressed by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.
“It is essential to act in accordance with the foundation of international law. It is critical to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing,” he said.
Saudi Arabia, considered the geopolitical and cultural compass of the Arab world, made its position clear through state television, supporting a Palestinian state, calling it “steadfast, unwavering, and unshakable.”
“This steadfast position is not open to negotiation.”
This statement contradicts President Trump’s claim made on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia was not seeking a Palestinian state.
“Saudi Arabia will give significant assistance and has already played such a role. They want peace in the Middle East,” he stated.
Saudi Arabia was involved in negotiations with the Biden administration to recognize Israel in exchange for a security and energy deal.
However, talks stalled following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s counteroffensive.
A deal with Saudi Arabia would expand the Abraham Accords, which President Trump brokered in 2020, normalizing relations between Israel and Arab states. Riyadh seeks to be more cautious, at least for now.
“Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman currently sees no immediate benefit for himself if he joins President Trump’s plan, which otherwise is offensive and the whole world seems to be against it,” said Madawi al-Rasheed, a professor at the London School of Economics.
Among those opposing the plan are U.S. adversaries China and Russia, as well as its allies, including Germany, France, and the UK.
“We must allow them to return to their homes. We must let them rebuild, and we must stand with them during the rebuilding, in search of a solution through the creation of two states,” stated British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The White House now states that President Trump’s plan involves the temporary relocation of Palestinians to another location.
“It’s a place where no one lives. In fact, I think it’s wrong to suggest that people could live under such difficult conditions,” said spokesperson Leavitt.
She added that President Trump will speak with regional leaders in the coming days.
Meanwhile, protesters gathered in several U.S. cities to protest President Trump’s actions, including his stance on Gaza.
