U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Washington taking control of the Gaza Strip and overseeing its redevelopment have caused immediate and intense reactions across the Middle East.
Speaking on Tuesday, Trump suggested resettling displaced Palestinians outside Gaza and proposed that the U.S. would “own” the rebuilding process. This would involve clearing unexploded bombs, demolishing destroyed buildings, and creating economic opportunities in the region to facilitate a long-term solution.
These remarks have added fuel to the fire as ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel continue, amplifying tensions in an already volatile situation.
Saudi Arabia, a key diplomatic player in the region, was among the first to reject Trump’s proposal. In a strong statement issued on Wednesday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its longstanding position supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The statement emphasized that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is committed to the creation of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and underscored that diplomatic relations with Israel would not proceed without this fundamental condition.
Saudi Arabia has been in discussions with the U.S. about normalizing ties with Israel in exchange for security guarantees and other agreements. However, Trump’s recent comments are likely to complicate these talks and exacerbate tensions in an already delicate region.
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