US President Donald Trump's future plans for Gaza have become increasingly unclear, with a recent statement contradicting earlier proposals.
On Wednesday, Trump told reporters, "Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians" from Gaza, a stark shift from his previous suggestions that Gaza's 2.1 million Palestinians be relocated to neighbouring Arab states like Egypt and Jordan.
This latest comment follows a series of conflicting statements from Trump about Gaza's future. Just weeks ago, Trump suggested relocating Palestinians to a "beautiful location" with new homes and medical facilities, promising that the US would manage the area, even proposing turning Gaza into a Middle Eastern "Riviera."
However, Trump's vision for Gaza faced backlash, particularly from Egypt and Jordan, who opposed the idea of removing Palestinians.
The president later downplayed his proposal, calling it just a suggestion rather than a definitive plan. Trump's administration also rejected a proposal for Gaza's reconstruction put forward by Arab nations, citing the area’s uninhabitable conditions due to the ongoing conflict.
Hamas cautiously welcomed Trump's new stance, viewing it as a potential reversal of his earlier position on displacement. Similarly, Egypt’s foreign ministry and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) expressed appreciation for the shift.
Trump’s earlier comments, including referring to Gaza as a "demolition site" to be "levelled out" and developed by the US, had caused significant outrage among Palestinians.
Despite these remarks, Trump continues to advocate for a solution he believes will bring stability to the region, though his plans remain in flux amid ongoing military conflict and destruction in Gaza.
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