Trump to take ‘bold and decisive’ measures in Gaza: US official

Republican US House of Representatives speaker Mike Johnson said that US president Donald Trump is taking "bold" and "decisive" measures to try to ensure peace in Gaza.

"The initial announcement yesterday I think was greeted by surprise by many, but cheered, by I think, people all around the world," Johnson told a press conference. "Why? Because that area is so dangerous, and he's taking bold, decisive action to try to secure the peace of that region."

On Tuesday, Trump said the US will "take over" and "own" Gaza.

Johnson explained that he is looking forward to meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “will discuss many matters with him, including eliminating the threat to Israel".

He said he awaited further details on Trump's plan and that he would discuss the issue with Netanyahu when he meets with him at the US Capitol on Thursday.

He said there is a risk of another attack on Israel, like the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, if Gaza remains "in its present form", and it made sense to minimise the risk.

Reporting by Reuters