President Donald Trump on Friday described his plan to move Palestinians out of Gaza and have the US take ownership of the coastal enclave as a “real estate transaction”.
Speaking to reporters from the Oval Office, where he was meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Mr Trump added that there was “no rush to do anything”.
During a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, Mr Trump said the US would take ownership of Gaza and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”.
He also said that the roughly two million Palestinians who live there would need to move out. At first he said they would need to leave indefinitely, but his administration has since indicated the move would be temporary.
“We don't want to see everybody move back and then move out in 10 years,” he said on Friday.
The plan has drawn intense opposition from Palestinians, Arab nations and many global leaders who say the idea of the forcible removal of a civilian population is a grave political and moral injustice. The UN said such a move would violate international law.
Mr Trump reiterated that no US troops would be needed on the ground and that Gaza would be “handed over” to the US from Israel. He also said the US would not be paying for the reconstruction itself.
“We won't need anybody; everything would be supplied and given to us by Israel,” he said. “They'll watch it in terms of security.”
He then repeated his claim that the move would advance peace in the region.
Mr Trump had initially suggested that Egypt and Jordan – two countries that have signed peace agreements with Israel – take displaced Palestinians. Both nations have unequivocally rejected the suggestion, and Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi are likely to raise the issue with Mr Trump during their upcoming respective visits to Washington.
The developments come nearly three weeks after a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement in Gaza took effect, ending more than 15 months of war.
The war was ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking scores of hostages. More than 47,500 Palestinians have been killed and most of the coastal enclave has been reduced to rubble.
Mr Trump has called Gaza a “demolition site” and estimated that it would take 10 to 15 years to rebuild.
Biography
Favourite Meal: Chicken Caesar salad
Hobbies: Travelling, going to the gym
Inspiration: Father, who was a captain in the UAE army
Favourite read: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
Favourite film: The Founder, about the establishment of McDonald's
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
How to volunteer
The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
Scoreline:
Cardiff City 0
Liverpool 2
Wijnaldum 57', Milner 81' (pen)
Players Selected for La Liga Trials
U18 Age Group
Name: Ahmed Salam (Malaga)
Position: Right Wing
Nationality: Jordanian
Name: Yahia Iraqi (Malaga)
Position: Left Wing
Nationality: Morocco
Name: Mohammed Bouherrafa (Almeria)
Position: Centre-Midfield
Nationality: French
Name: Mohammed Rajeh (Cadiz)
Position: Striker
Nationality: Jordanian
U16 Age Group
Name: Mehdi Elkhamlichi (Malaga)
Position: Lead Striker
Nationality: Morocco
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)
The biog
Hometown: Birchgrove, Sydney Australia
Age: 59
Favourite TV series: Outlander Netflix series
Favourite place in the UAE: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque / desert / Louvre Abu Dhabi
Favourite book: Father of our Nation: Collected Quotes of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Thing you will miss most about the UAE: My friends and family, Formula 1, having Friday's off, desert adventures, and Arabic culture and people
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