Trump is ‘not bluffing’ on Gaza takeover, will do ‘what it takes,’ sources near prez say

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Trump is ‘not bluffing’ on Gaza takeover, will do ‘what it takes,’ sources near prez say


WASHINGTON — President Trump’s menace to take over the Gaza Strip isn’t a “bluff,” sources near the White Home instructed The Submit Thursday.

“The president is totally critical,” one White Home official burdened.

The conversations have been within the works for months, which means Trump was negotiating an answer for the Hamas-controlled land strip at struggle with Israel earlier than his time period started.

Steve Witkoff — Trump’s Center East envoy — has performed an influential half within the planning, a second supply acquainted with the interior discussions on the matter stated, and White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed.

President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu throughout a joint press convention within the East Room of the White Home on Feb. 4, 2025. AFP by way of Getty Pictures

Witkoff developed his longtime friendship with Trump making billions in actual property investing and improvement in New York Metropolis. He traveled to Israel to fulfill with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu within the ultimate days of the Biden administration, which the Trump administration says performed a key half in securing a hostage launch deal between Israel and Hamas.

“Completely” Trump can be keen to take US management of Gaza, the supply stated.

“If that’s what it takes. He’s additionally creating a way of urgency to finish the established order. And if Gulf States don’t like his plan then they need to give you their very own and take extra possession of the scenario. However the reality is that the established order is a catastrophe,” the supply added.

Demonstrators attend a protest towards President Trump’s plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in entrance of the US consulate in Istanbul on Feb. 6, 2025. REUTERS
A normal view of the destruction as displaced Palestinians return to Jabalia within the northern Gaza Strip on Jan. 23, 2025, throughout the cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. AFP by way of Getty Pictures

Trump’s announcement to relocate all Palestinians, take over Gaza and develop the land to create a “Riviera of the Center East” on the Mediterranean got here as a shock to Washington — however the White Home has maintained that the ideas have been being deliberate out behind the scenes earlier than the president made his announcement on Tuesday.

It was Trump who introduced the plan to take over Gaza to Netanyahu, Leavitt instructed The Submit at Wednesday’s White Home briefing.

Some Republicans have raised eyebrows at the potential of getting entangled in a overseas battle and placing American troops in hurt’s method within the Center East. Trump first stated he wouldn’t rule out placing US boots on the bottom, however then stated, “no troopers by the US can be wanted.”

Trump has stated he needs to relocate all Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip and that he needs Egypt or Jordan to take all of them in. AFP by way of Getty Pictures

“The Gaza Strip can be turned over to the USA by Israel on the conclusion of combating. The Palestinians, individuals like Chuck Schumer, would have already been resettled in far safer and extra stunning communities, with new and trendy properties, within the area,” Trump wrote on Reality Social.

“They might even have an opportunity to be completely satisfied, protected, and free. The U.S., working with nice improvement groups from everywhere in the World, would slowly and punctiliously start the development of what would change into one of many best and most spectacular developments of its variety on Earth,” he added.

“No troopers by the U.S. can be wanted! Stability for the area would reign!!!”


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