Trump declares that the United States is “dedicated to purchasing and possessing Gaza.” Three minutes ago. David Gritten. BBC News and AFP. President Donald Trump has expressed his “commitment to purchasing and owning” the Gaza Strip and relocating its two million Palestinian residents, despite facing international backlash for his recent proposal. He informed reporters that he may involve Middle Eastern nations in the reconstruction of the area and aims for Palestinian refugees to “live beautifully.” In response, both the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, which has been engaged in a devastating 16-month conflict with Israel, insisted that Palestinian land is “not for sale.” Conversely, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Trump’s idea as “revolutionary and creative.” Meanwhile, Israeli forces have pulled back from the corridor that divided Gaza. What impact will the sight of emaciated hostages have on a delicate ceasefire? Jeremy Bowen states that although Trump’s plan for Gaza is unlikely to be realized, it will still have repercussions. Three weeks into a delicate ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas has begun releasing some Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. This ceasefire follows an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people lost their lives and 251 were taken captive, prompting the Israeli military to initiate a campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas. Since then, over 48,180 fatalities in Gaza have been reported by the Hamas-led health ministry. The majority of Gaza’s residents have faced repeated displacements, with nearly 70% of the buildings reportedly damaged or destroyed. The region’s healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructures have collapsed, and there are significant shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his intention to assume control over post-war Gaza while en route to New Orleans to attend the Super Bowl on Air Force One, stating, ‘I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza.’
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