WASHINGTON—President Trump mentioned Palestinians wouldn’t have the fitting to return to Gaza underneath his new plan to rebuild the territory, including that they might get “a lot better housing” as an alternative in neighboring international locations.
“In different phrases, I’m speaking about constructing a everlasting place for them as a result of in the event that they must return now, it’ll be years earlier than you possibly can ever—it’s not liveable,” Trump mentioned in an interview with Fox Information’s Bret Baier that was performed earlier than Sunday’s Tremendous Bowl. “It might be years earlier than it may occur.”
The president’s newest feedback come after White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters final week that any Palestinian relocation can be momentary. She additionally mentioned taxpayers wouldn’t cowl the price of creating the territory. Trump’s aides have tried to make clear the president’s plan after he stunned even some in his personal White Home when he introduced it.
Requested by Baier within the weekend interview if displaced Palestinians would have the fitting to return to Gaza, Trump mentioned, “No, they wouldn’t.”
Trump’s proposal to take long-term management of Gaza, which he unveiled in a press convention standing subsequent to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has already brought on some discord throughout the Republican Get together, which has been largely united because the election. A number of Republican lawmakers have expressed skepticism of the hassle.
Main Center East powers have rejected Trump’s plan. Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have rejected evictions, whereas the Palestinian Authority and Hamas say they wouldn’t help an evacuation of Gaza. Jordan’s King Abdullah is anticipated to fulfill with Trump on the White Home on Tuesday. The president is anticipated to boost his Gaza proposal through the assembly, in accordance with an administration official.
Within the Fox Information interview, Trump additionally appeared to recommend that Gaza would belong to him and in contrast it to a real-estate venture.
“We’ll construct secure communities, somewhat bit away from the place they’re, the place all of this hazard is,” he mentioned. “Within the meantime, I’d personal this. Consider it as a real-estate growth for the longer term. It might be a wonderful piece of land. No huge cash spent.”
On Air Drive One on Sunday, Trump informed reporters the U.S. would personal it. “We’re going to convey stability to the Center East,” he mentioned.
“It’s a demolition web site,” he added. “It’ll be reclaimed. It’ll be leveled out, fastened up. There gained’t be anyone there. Hamas might be there.”
The White Home didn’t instantly reply to a request for a touch upon whether or not the president would personally personal the territory or if Palestinians can be completely displaced.
Write to Tarini Parti at tarini.parti@wsj.com
