Amid controversy over previously suggested ‘Gaza takeover’, US President Donald Trump clarified that no residents would be “expelled” from the region.
The statement was delivered at a press conference from the Oval Office, before his discussion with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House on Wednesday (local time).
Sitting alongside Martin, Trump declared, “No one is expelling anyone from Gaza,” when questioned by a reporter about the “president’s plan” for the war-torn region.
Meanwhile, Martin emphasised the necessity of enhancing aid to Gaza whilst advocating for both a ceasefire and the liberation of hostages in Hamas custody since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel. This comes after, Israel’s diplomatic relations with Ireland faced a setback when it declared the shuttering of its embassy in Ireland during December, attributing the decision to Ireland’s stance against Israel. The action followed Ireland’s backing of South Africa’s legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice, where allegations of genocide were raised.
In a separate development during the meeting, Trump referred to US Senate’s minority leader Chuck Schumer as “a Palestinian”. He said, “Schumer is a Palestinian as far as I’m concerned. He’s become a Palestinian. He used to be Jewish. He’s not Jewish anymore. He’s a Palestinian.” A comparable comment about Schumer appeared on his Truth Social platform in February.
Trump’s ‘Gaza takeover proposal’
Last month, Trump put forward a proposal suggesting that the United States should assume control and ownership of the Gaza Strip. His vision included rebuilding the region entirely and converting it into a centre of economic activity.
During a joint media briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said, “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site and getting rid of the destroyed buildings. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.”
Later, In a post on Truth Social, Trump echoed the sentiment saying, “The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting. The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region. They would actually have a chance to be happy, safe, and free. The US, working with great development teams from all over the World, would slowly and carefully begin the construction of what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth. No soldiers by the US would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!”
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