President’s plans to transform region raise questions about where the Palestinian population would go and the impact on the hostage deal.
Donald Trump is “committed to buying and owning Gaza”, but could allow sections of the Strip to be rebuilt by other states in the Middle East.
He later attempted to retract the comments but said: “We’re going to take it. We’re going to hold it, we’re going to cherish it. We’re going to get it going eventually, where a lot of jobs are going to be created for the people in the Middle East…”
“We contribute a lot of money to Jordan, and to Egypt by the way – a lot to both. But I don’t have to threaten that. I think we’re above that.”
Who owns Gaza?
The enclave is considered to be occupied by Israel under international law, despite Israel withdrawing its troops and settlements in 2005.
After Israel was established in 1948, Egypt controlled Gaza for nearly 20 years before Israel took control after winning the 1967 Six-Day War.
Israeli troops enter Gaza City in the Gaza Strip in June 1967 Credit: AP
In 2005, under international and domestic pressure, Israel withdrew its settlers and military from Gaza, handing control of the enclave to the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas took over Gaza after winning elections in 2006 – the last ones held. It has ruled for nearly 20 years, often clashing with Palestinian Authority leaders in the West Bank.
Human Rights Watch describes Gaza as “an open-air prison” due to Israeli movement restrictions.
Can Trump really buy Gaza?
Purchasing sovereign territory was once fairly common, and was a primary method of US territorial expansion in the 19th century.
Louisiana was purchased from France in 1803 for $15 million and Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million. Washington even bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million in 1917.
Although shifting borders by force is illegal under international law, ceding territory remains legal.
Egypt transferred the sovereignty of two Red Sea Islands to Saudi Arabia in 2017, reportedly in exchange for $25 billion in investments.
But any US “takeover” of Gaza would also face major obstacles as Palestinians have internationally recognised rights to self-determination.
So although Mr Trump could technically “buy” Gaza, he would need the consent of Gazans to ensure he does not fall foul of international law.
How many Palestinians are there and where would they go?
There are 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza that the US president said should relocate to neighbouring countries, which he described as having “humanitarian hearts” and “great wealth”.
Last week, Israel’s defence minister said European countries such as Spain, Ireland and Norway have are “legally obligated” to allow Gazans into their territory after the war.
A Palestinian man views the rubble of buildings destroyed in Rafah during the Israeli offensive, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas Credit: Hatem Khaled/Reuters
What does it mean for the Middle East?
It could undermine the prospects of a two-state solution and has complicated diplomatic relations, particularly regarding the potential normalisation of ties between Israel and Arab states.
Saudi Arabia has explicitly said it will not establish ties with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state.
King Abdullah of Jordan said on Tuesday that Jordan was “steadfast” in its “position against the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank”.
A billboard by the Coalition for Regional Security, in Ramat Gan, Israel, promoting a regional peace deal Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP
He added that Arab states would come up with their own plan for Gaza, which would be presented after it was finalised.
Is there an alternative plan?
Egypt said it is planning to propose a reconstruction plan for Gaza that ensures Palestinians remain on their land, its foreign minister said on Tuesday
It came after Mr Trump’s threat that he might cut off aid to Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to support his plan to take over Gaza and relocate its population.
Egypt expressed willingness to work with Mr Trump’s administration toward a fair resolution of the Palestinian issue, emphasising that its plan would rebuild Gaza decisively while upholding Palestinians’ legal rights.
Antony Blinken, the former US Secretary of State, also outlined plans for post-war governance in Gaza before leaving office last month.
Mr Blinken said Washington envisioned a reformed Palestinian Authority taking charge of Gaza, with international partners assisting in the establishment and administration of an interim governing body.
A security force would be assembled, consisting of personnel from partner nations and vetted Palestinian forces.
UN officials estimate that 50 million tons of rubble must be cleared before reconstruction can start.
Where does it leave the hostage deal?
The US president’s plan has appeared to threaten the fragile hostage release process, with Hamas calling it “ridiculous and absurd”.
The terror group has already said it will delay the release of more hostages, although it cited alleged Israeli breaches of the ceasefire.
Israel called up its reserve forces on Tuesday as both sides prepared for fighting to restart in Gaza.
By Akhtar Makoii Source: Telegraph
