Trump reiterates plan to ‘buy and own’ Gaza

Despite international backlash, former US President Donald Trump reiterated his controversial plan to take over Gaza, stating that the United States, in collaboration with Middle Eastern countries, will transform the enclave into a "big real estate site."

Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday and emphasised that the US is "committed to buying and owning Gaza," asserting that the enclave must be redeveloped as its buildings and infrastructure have been destroyed and are no longer inhabitable.

Trump further claimed that US control of Gaza would ensure that Hamas "will not return to the enclave." He also suggested that displaced Palestinians, once relocated to neighboring countries with better living conditions, would have little desire to return.

"If we could give them a home in a safer area—the only reason they're talking about returning to Gaza is they don’t have an alternative. When they have an alternative, they don’t want to return to Gaza," Trump stated.

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Hamas dismissed Trump’s remarks as "absurd," emphasising that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people.

"Gaza is not a property that can be bought and sold; it is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land," said Izzat al-Risheq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, in a statement shared on Telegram.

"Dealing with the Palestinian issue with the mentality of a real estate dealer is a recipe for failure," al-Risheq added. "Our Palestinian people will thwart all displacement and deportation plans. Gaza belongs to its people."

Previously, Trump claimed that the Gaza Strip will be handed over to the United States after the war concludes, with Israel playing a role in the transfer.

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Speaking on the matter, Trump suggested that by then, Palestinians would be resettled in more secure, modern communities with newly constructed homes.

Trump further emphasised that the US would spearhead Gaza's rebuilding process, collaborating with the world’s top development agencies.

He described the planned reconstruction as one of the most significant and spectacular developments of its kind, promising that no military personnel would be required for the effort.

While US President Donald Trump’s remarks about the "takeover" of Gaza sparked global outrage, the United Nations also sounded the alarm over his controversial statement, emphasising the need to "avoid ethnic cleansing."