President Donald Trump insisted yesterday that he remained committed to the U.S. taking over Gaza after the Palestinians leave or are forced out. “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.”
Trump also claimed that 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. “We’re gonna take care of the Palestinians and make sure … they’re not murdered,” he said.
Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, condemned Trump’s remarks in a statement. “Gaza is not a property to be sold and bought. It is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land,” and Palestinians will foil displacement plans, al-Rishq said.