Washington: President Donald Trump on Tuesday stated that he wants the United States to take control of the Gaza Strip and redevelop it once all Palestinians—around two million people—are resettled elsewhere.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump emphasised that the US should take an “ownership position” in Gaza. His remarks followed a statement from his Middle East envoy, who dismissed a three-to-five-year reconstruction plan for the battle-torn territory as unfeasible.

Netanyahu faces political pressure amid Trump’s visit
Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu marked the first foreign leader visit of his second term. The Israeli prime minister is under pressure from his right-wing coalition to end the temporary truce in Gaza, while many war-weary Israelis demand the return of hostages and a resolution to the 15-month conflict.