US President Donald Trump has not committed to putting American troops on the ground in the Gaza Strip as part of his proposal for a US takeover of the Palestinian enclave, the White House said on Wednesday.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump believes the United States needs to be involved in the rebuilding of Gaza "to ensure stability in the region."
"That does not mean boots on the ground in Gaza," she said.
Leavitt also said Trump wants to see Palestinians who live in Gaza "temporarily relocated" in order for the enclave to be rebuilt. Trump had called on Tuesday for a permanent resettlement of Palestinians out of Gaza, drawing global condemnation.
Leavitt did not elaborate on the shift in rhetoric.
Global reactions to Trump's statement on Gaza evictions
The international community has strongly condemned Donald Trump's recent statement suggesting the forced eviction of Palestinians from Gaza.
UAE's Response:
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly rejected any attempts to forcibly evict Palestinians from Gaza, calling for respect for Palestinian rights. The ministry emphasized that regional stability can only be achieved through the establishment of a two-state solution and warned against actions that threaten the region's stability.
European Union's Response:
The European Union reiterated its strong commitment to a two-state solution, stating that Gaza is an integral part of a future Palestinian state. The EU urged all parties to contribute to the peaceful establishment of Gaza and avoid measures that could undermine peace efforts.
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Hezbollah's Response:
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah condemned Trump's statement, labeling it as "criminal" and an endorsement of illegal occupation. Hezbollah called for the people of Gaza to assert their rights and stand against any attempts at forced displacement.
UN Secretary-General's Response:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the idea of forcibly evicting Palestinians from Gaza, stating that such actions would be a clear violation of international law. Guterres stressed the importance of respecting international legal frameworks and reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution. He urged all parties to seek a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Gaza conflict and warned against inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) Response:
The OIC issued a strong condemnation of Trump’s statement, calling it a reflection of the continued illegal occupation of Palestinian land and expansion of Israeli settlements. The organization stated that prioritizing Israeli sovereignty over Palestinian land is unacceptable and constitutes a clear violation of UN resolutions and international law.
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The OIC emphasized that such statements undermine the prospects for peace and stability in the region. It rejected any plans for geographical or demographic changes in Palestinian territories and called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza. The organization demanded the complete end of Israeli occupation, the safe return of Palestinians to their homes, and support for the reconstruction and economic rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip. The OIC also insisted that no restrictions be placed on the humanitarian efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
On Tuesday, Trump had said the US would take over the war-ravaged Gaza Strip and develop it economically after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere, actions that would shatter decades of US policy toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
