Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that parts of Gaza could be given to other countries in the Middle East for redevelopment.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, February 9, Trump described Gaza as a “big real estate site” and proposed that other nations could take responsibility for rebuilding the war-torn enclave.
“As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it [Gaza] to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it; other people may do it, through our auspices,” Trump said while en route to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.
He further suggested that relocating Palestinian inhabitants to alternative locations could be a solution.
“If we could give them a home in a safer area – the only reason they are 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,” he added.
Trump’s remarks follow his recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he announced plans for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
His plan reportedly includes relocating Palestinians to other Arab states, a proposal likely to spark further debate in the already volatile region is.