The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, contradicted suggestions made by President Trump that residents of the Gaza Strip could be permanently relocated elsewhere. During a meeting with journalists, Leavitt stated, “The president has made it clear that it is necessary to relocate them temporarily out of Gaza.” She described Gaza as “a place of demolition.”
This statement contrasted with President Trump’s comments from the previous night, in which he said, “If we can get a beautiful area to relocate people, permanently, in beautiful houses where they can be happy and not receive shots or be killed nor be stabbed to death as is happening in Gaza.”
In response to Trump’s idea, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support. During an interview on the Fox News television network, Netanyahu said, “This is the first good idea I have heard. It is an extraordinary idea. And I think it should be examined, persecuted and carried out because I think it will create a different future for everyone.”
Netanyahu further elaborated on the proposal, saying, “But the real idea of allowing them to leave the first Gazaties who want to do it, what’s wrong with? They can leave, they can return, they can relocate and return, but you have to rebuild Gaza.” He described the proposal as “remarkable” after Trump stated that he expects the Palestinians of this enclave “not to want to return” to it.
President Trump explained that “the only reason why the Palestinians want to return to Gaza is that they have no other alternative.” He described the current state of Gaza, saying, “Right now it is a place of demolition. Virtually all buildings are shot down. They are living under concrete, which is very dangerous and very precarious.” Trump then suggested an alternative, saying, “Instead, they can occupy a whole beautiful area with houses and security. They can live their lives in peace and harmony instead of having to return and do it again.” This was said after he declared that the United States “will take charge” of the long-term strip after the high-fire agreement reached with the Islamic resistance movement (Hamas).