Some of US President Donald Trump’s top aides have sought to soften parts of his proposal to take over Gaza and permanently relocate Palestinians from the war-stricken enclave, following backlash at home and abroad and questions over the plan’s legality.
During a Tuesday press conference with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said he saw the US having a “long-term ownership position” of Gaza, and talked of “permanently” resettling 1.8 million Palestinians in neighbouring countries. Trump left the door open to deploying US troops there as part of a massive rebuilding operation.
Trump’s proposal was met with immediate condemnation from officials around the world on Wednesday, with Arab states and European leaders expressing support for a Palestinian state through the implementation of a two-state solution.
Less than 24 hours after Trump’s comments, top US officials walked back elements of his plan.
