US President outlines ambitious plan for Gaza, pledges tough stance on Iran and UN bodies
Washington DC [US], February 5: In a groundbreaking announcement, US President Donald Trump stated that the United States will take over the Gaza Strip, clear dangerous weapons and debris, and spearhead economic development in the region.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump also expressed optimism that the ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas could lead to lasting peace in the region.
“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,” Trump declared.
Trump’s Vision for Gaza and Middle East Stability
The US President emphasized that the ceasefire should mark the beginning of a broader peace process.
“I’m hopeful that this ceasefire could be the beginning of a larger and more enduring peace that will end the bloodshed and killing once and for all. With the same goal in mind, my administration has been moving quickly to restore trust in the alliance and rebuild American strength throughout the region,” he said.
US Withdraws from UNHRC, Cuts Funding to UNRWA
Trump also announced the US withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), citing anti-Semitic bias and alleged ties to Hamas.
“I’m also pleased to announce that this afternoon the United States withdrew from the anti-Semitic UN Human Rights Council and ended all of the support for the UN Relief and Works Agency, which funnelled money to Hamas and which was very disloyal to humanity,” Trump stated.
Aggressive Sanctions on Iran to ‘Drive Oil Exports to Zero’
Trump reaffirmed his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran, reinstating harsh sanctions aimed at crippling Tehran’s ability to fund terrorism.
“Today I also took action to restore our maximum pressure policy on the Iranian regime. And we will once again enforce the most aggressive possible sanctions, drive Iranian oil exports to zero, and diminish the regime’s capacity to fund terror throughout the region and the world,” he announced.
Trump on Gaza: “Not a Place for People to Live”
Earlier in the day, Trump indicated that he envisions a future for Gaza that largely excludes Palestinians.
“I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza,” he told reporters, as quoted by CNN.
“I heard that Gaza has been very unlucky for them. They live like hell. They live like they’re living in hell. Gaza is not a place for people to be living, and the only reason they want to go back, and I believe this strongly, is because they have no alternative.”
He also hinted at the US maintaining a long-term role in Gaza, stating:
“I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East. This was not a decision made lightly. Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent.”
Netanyahu Welcomes Trump’s Support
Netanyahu, the first foreign leader to visit the US after Trump’s return to the White House, discussed the Gaza ceasefire and regional security plans with Trump on Tuesday (local time).
Trump has previously suggested relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries, including Jordan and Egypt, as a solution to the conflict.