President Trump’s proposal to seize control of the Gaza Strip is not a mere “bluff,” according to White House insiders who spoke with The NY Post on Thursday.
“One hundred percent serious,” one official emphasized.
The plan has been under discussion for months, with Trump reportedly laying the groundwork for a resolution regarding the Hamas-run Gaza Strip even before his presidency began.
Steve Witkoff, who serves as Trump’s Middle East envoy, has played a crucial role in the formulation of the plan, a second source familiar with the matter confirmed, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also acknowledging his involvement.
Witkoff and Trump developed a close relationship over the years while generating billions through real estate investments and development in New York City. He even visited Israel during the final days of the Biden administration, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, which the Trump administration credits as pivotal in facilitating a deal for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Trump would indeed be willing to assume U.S. control of Gaza, according to a source.
“If that’s what it takes. He’s also pressing to end the current situation, which is untenable. If the Gulf States oppose his plan, they should propose their own and take more responsibility. The status quo is an absolute disaster,” the source remarked.
The announcement that Trump intends to relocate all Palestinians, take over Gaza, and redevelop the area to create a Mediterranean “Riviera of the Middle East” surprised Washington, but the White House insists these plans were already in motion prior to Trump’s Tuesday statement.
It was Trump himself who presented the Gaza takeover proposal to Netanyahu, Leavitt confirmed during Wednesday’s White House briefing.
Some Republicans have voiced concerns about the potential risks of becoming involved in a foreign conflict and placing American soldiers in harm’s way in the Middle East. While Trump initially suggested that U.S. forces might be deployed, he later clarified, stating, “No soldiers by the U.S. would be needed.”
Trump elaborated on the Gaza takeover plan via Truth Social, saying, “The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel after the fighting ends. The Palestinians, people like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region.”
“They would actually have a chance to be happy, safe, and free. The U.S., working with exceptional development teams from all over the world, would carefully begin constructing what would become one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth,” he added.
“No soldiers by the U.S. [sic] would be needed! Stability for the region would reign!!!”
On Thursday, Netanyahu also stated that no American troops would be required for the successful execution of the Gaza takeover plan.
White House officials have indicated that it would take at least ten years to make Gaza habitable again after 16 months of intense conflict.
“Aerial footage confirms it’s uninhabitable, not just because of the destruction caused by the conflict and Hamas hiding underground, but also due to unexploded munitions that must be cleared,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters during a press conference on Thursday.
Trump has suggested that Egypt or Jordan should take in some of Gaza’s 2 million residents, and he has been resolute in expecting both governments to comply with his demands.
“They won’t tell me no,” the president declared on Tuesday. “I want to remove all the residents of Gaza … it will happen.”
{Matzav.com}