Synopsis
The White House has clarified that President Trump hasn't committed any funding for his proposal regarding US control over Gaza or for deploying troops there. Senior officials emphasized that the President is not considering a long-term occupation and plans to work with regional partners for Gaza's reconstruction.Key Takeaways
- The White House confirmed no funds are allocated for Gaza takeover.
- Trump's proposal is not about permanent occupation.
- Collaboration with regional partners for reconstruction is planned.
- Trump envisions a temporary shelter for Gaza residents in neighboring countries.
- Trump does not intend to send US troops or finances for Gaza.
Washington, Feb 6 (NationPress) The White House clarified on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has not allocated any funds for his idea of the US taking control of Gaza or deploying troops for that mission.
Senior officials from the Trump administration emphasized that the President was not suggesting a long-term occupation of Gaza, contrary to what he appeared to imply during a news conference on Tuesday with visiting Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"The President has not committed to putting boots on the ground in Gaza," stated White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during the daily briefing.
"He has also indicated that the United States will not finance the reconstruction of Gaza. His administration plans to collaborate with regional partners for the reconstruction of this area."
Leavitt described the proposal as an "out-of-the-box idea" typical of the President, whose objective is to achieve "lasting peace" in West Asia.
When questioned if Leavitt was retracting Trump's interest in deploying US troops to Gaza for his plan, she replied, "I am stating that the President has not made that commitment as of now."
During a news conference with Netanyahu, Trump introduced the idea, saying, "The US will take control of the Gaza Strip and manage it effectively. We will handle the removal of dangerous unexploded ordnance and other weapons, clear the site, and create an economic framework that will provide numerous jobs and housing for the local population."
Trump contended that Gaza is currently uninhabitable and likened it to a "demolition site" due to Israeli military actions post the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. He argued that residents should temporarily be accommodated in neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan while Gaza is rebuilt to become a "riviera of the Middle East" (or West Asia, as referred to by India).
Reports from US media indicate that Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned in Guatemala that Trump's proposal was limited to clearing and rebuilding Gaza without claiming permanent control over the territory.
Additionally, Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to West Asia, informed Republican Senators in a private meeting that Trump "doesn't want to deploy any US troops on the ground, nor does he intend to spend any US dollars at all" on Gaza, as Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri noted to The New York Times.
