During a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House on Wednesday, Trump commented, “No one is expelling anyone from Gaza.”
Trump also caused a stir by referring to US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as “a Palestinian,” adding, “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.” Trump had made a similar remark about Schumer in a Truth Social post earlier in February.
Prime Minister Martin emphasized the need for increased aid to Gaza and called for a ceasefire, as well as the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
In December, Israel closed its embassy in Ireland, citing the country’s “anti-Israel policies.” This decision followed Ireland’s support for South Africa’s action against Israel in the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide.
Trump’s comments about Gaza come after his February statement where he suggested that the US would take control of the Gaza Strip. He said the US would dismantle dangerous weapons, clear destroyed buildings, and promote economic development. During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump remarked, “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 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.”
Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers met in Doha on Wednesday, agreeing to continue discussions with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff regarding Egypt’s proposed Gaza reconstruction plan. According to a joint statement, consultations will continue based on this plan as a “basis for the reconstruction efforts” in Gaza.