Trump says Gaza ethnic cleansing plan good, 'but won't force it'
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US President Donald Trump defended his proposal to take over Gaza and resettle its population, expressing surprise at Arab opposition.
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President Donald Trump speaks at the Governors Working Session in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025 (AP)
US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated his support for his controversial proposal to take over the Gaza Strip, claiming it "really works" but insisting he would not impose it.
"I'll tell you the way to do it, it is my plan. I think that's the plan that really works. But I'm not forcing it. I'm just going to sit back and recommend it," Trump said in an interview with Fox News Radio's Brian Kilmeade.
Trump also expressed surprise at Jordan and Egypt's opposition to his plan, remarking, "We pay Jordan and Egypt billions of dollars a year, and I was a little surprised they'd say that."
He further claimed that if the people of Gaza were given the choice between remaining in the besieged territory or relocating, they would opt to leave.
"It's a great location," Trump said of Gaza, before questioning why the Israeli occupation withdrew from it. "I don't know why Israel ever gave that up. Why did they give it up?"
Trump has repeatedly suggested that the US should "take over" Gaza, resettle its population elsewhere, and redevelop the area into what he has called "the Riviera of the Middle East."
Trump’s plan has been widely criticized as unrealistic, particularly due to fears of permanent Palestinian displacement. Some have raised concerns over whether it violates international law, with potential implications of ethnic cleansing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has embraced Trump’s proposal as "fresh thinking," and the Israeli security minister has instructed the military to draft contingency plans for "relocating Palestinians." However, some captive families fear the plan is complicating ceasefire talks aimed at securing their relatives’ release.
One potential side effect of Trump’s proposal, some officials argue, is that it may spur Arab states into action, as per the piece.
"The blunt truth is that the Middle East has for too long been a region of places all of whom love to talk but don’t want to do," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "If they don’t like Donald Trump’s plan, then it’s time for these countries in the region to step forward and offer their solution."
Trump, meanwhile, remains committed to his vision. "We’re going to take it, we’re going to hold it, we’re going to cherish it," he said during a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah.
