‘United States will take over Gaza Strip,’ says Donald Trump

The United States will “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip after “permanently” resettling Palestinians outside the besieged territory, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday.

At a joint press briefing with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House, Trump reiterated his proposal that Palestinians living in Gaza should be placed in other countries in West Asia, including Jordan and Egypt, while the US developed the territory.

Trump’s statements came amid a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu’s visit to the White House came as talks begin on the second phase of the ceasefire plan for Gaza, CNBC reported.

More than 47,700 persons, including over 17,400 children, have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched a military offensive against Gaza. This came after Hamas launched an incursion into southern Israel, killing 1,200 persons and taking more than 200 hostages. Israel retaliated by carrying out unprecedented air and ground strikes on Gaza. About 400 Israeli soldiers died in the conflict.

According to the latest figures by the United Nations, 92% or 4,36,000 housing units in Gaza have either been destroyed or damaged in the Israeli offensive. A total of 496 out of 546 schools have also either been partially or severely damaged, and only 17 out of 36 hospitals are partially functioning.

“This was not a decision made…

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