Trump wants US to own Gaza, could let Middle East states help rebuild it
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he is committed to buying and owning Gaza, but could allow sections of the war-ravaged land to be rebuilt by other states in the Middle East, Reuters reports.
“I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza. As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it, other people may do it, through our auspices. But we’re committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn’t move back.”
“There’s nothing to move back into. The place is a demolition site. The remainder will be demolished. Everything’s demolished,” he said.
Trump also said he was open to the possibility of allowing some Palestinian refugees into the United States, but would consider such requests on a case-by-case basis.
Trump made his remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to New Orleans to attend the National Football League Super Bowl championship.
Meanwhile Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, has condemned US President Donald Trump’s latest remarks on “buying and owning” Gaza, the group says in a statement, according to Reuters.
Palestinians will foil all displacement plans, Rashq added, shortly after Trump’s statement.
