The move comes after the Republican leader announced plans to “own” the Gaza Strip in an effort to bring “stability” to the Middle East—while also displacing the two million Palestinians who currently live there.
What has Donald Trump said about Gaza?
During a White House press conference on Tuesday (February 4), where he appeared alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the 47th president revealed his plan to “take over” Gaza, refusing to rule out potential US military involvement.
“The only reason the Palestinians want to go back to Gaza is they have no alternative, it’s right now a demolition site,” he stated.
“This is just a demolition site. Virtually every building is down.”
Trump expressed his intention to relocate all Palestinians to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too,” he added. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.”
Attempting to present his plan in a positive light, he claimed that under his leadership, Gaza would be developed into a prosperous area. “We’ll create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of.”
Impeachment papers ‘being prepared’ against Trump
Trump’s proposal has been met with widespread condemnation, with human rights groups labeling it “ethnic cleansing by another name.”
Chris Van Hollen, a Democratic senator from Maryland, voiced strong opposition: “Trump’s proposal to push 2 million Palestinians out of Gaza and take ‘ownership’ by force, if necessary, is simply ethnic cleansing by another name.”
“This declaration will give ammunition to Iran and other adversaries while undermining our Arab partners in the region. It defies decades of bipartisan American support for a two-state solution… Congress must stand up to this dangerous and reckless scheme.”
Al Green, a representative from Texas, also denounced Trump’s proposal, criticizing both the president and Netanyahu.
“Ethnic cleansing in Gaza is not a joke, especially when it emanates from the President of the United States, the most powerful person in the world,” he stated.
“And the prime minister of Israel should be ashamed, knowing the history of his people, to stand there and allow such things to be said.”
