Trump calls for US control of Gaza, says returning Palestinians would be a ‘mistake’

US President Donald Trump told reporters that allowing Palestinians to return to Gaza would be a “big mistake,” insisting that the US would “own” the territory.

“We don’t want Hamas going back,” Trump said. “Think of it as a big real estate site. The US is going to own it and will very slowly—no rush—develop it.”

Outlining his vision for Gaza, Trump claimed the US would bring “stability” to the war-ravaged region. “It’s totally demolished right now, but it will be reclaimed, levelled out, fixed up. There won’t be anyone there, Hamas won’t be there.”

Regarding the Palestinians forced out of Gaza, he said, “We’ll be building, with the help of wealthy Middle Eastern countries, some beautiful places for them to live. They’ll be living in harmony and peace, probably for the first time in hundreds of years.”