US ready to take over Gaza, start rebuilding it — Trump

The United States is ready to take over the Gaza Strip and redevelop it, US President Donald Trump said at a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, reported from TASS.

"We will own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site, get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for people of the area," Trump said.

The US government is examining the possibility of long-term ownership of the Gaza Strip, Trump continued.

"I do see a long term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East and maybe the entire Middle East," he said. "This was not a decision made lightly, everybody I've spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land."

Trump was asked whether his plans to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip meant that he does not support the two-state solution to the conflict.

"It doesn't mean anything about a two state or one state or any other state. It means that we want to give people a chance at life they have never had a chance because the Gaza Strip has been a hell hole for people living there. It's been horrible," Trump replied.

At the same time, Trump was unsure on whether the Gaza ceasefire will endure. He also said the United States was ready to deploy troops in the Gaza Strip if necessary.

He went on to say that Saudi Arabia will be "helpful" the United States in its Middle Eastern efforts.

"Saudi Arabia is going to be very helpful and they have been very helpful," he said, adding that Riyadh wants peace in the Middle East.

In his opinion, "the potential of the Gaza Strip is unbelievable" and "representatives from all over the world can live there, and Palestinians will also live there, many people will live there."

"We have an opportunity to do something that would be phenomenal. I don't want to be cute. I don't want to be a wise guy, but [Palestine could be turned into] the Riviera of the Middle East. This could be so magnificent," Trump said.

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