US President Donald Trump's surprise plan to turn Gaza into a "Middle Eastern Riviera" has sparked outrage around the world, with critics calling the move inhumane.
Trump announced the plan, with Palestinians being "relocated to safer and more beautiful communities" during a joint press conference with the Israeli Prime Minister yesterday.
He said that whatever happens in the future, Gaza will still be handed over to the United States by Israel once the fighting is over, so no US troops will be needed.
However, in less than 24 hours after Trump's statement, several senior administration officials have been seen trying to slowly press the 'reverse' button by softening the tone of the proposal after receiving strong criticism at home and abroad.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that Trump was only proposing a temporary transfer to make way for the rebuilding process in Gaza, not a plan to permanently relocate them to another country.
The White House also stressed that there was no commitment to sending US troops to Gaza, although Trump had previously said he was prepared to do so ‘if necessary’.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt added that Trump would “make a deal” with regional partners and would not use US taxpayer money to rebuild Gaza.
While his administration tried to defuse the situation, Trump’s statement was clear – Gaza is not just a conflict, but an asset that will fall into US hands.
