Trump Reaffirms Plan for U.S. to Control Gaza as Ceasefire Hangs in Balance/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As pressure mounts on Israel to extend a fragile ceasefire with Hamas, President Donald Trump doubled down on his plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, insisting that Palestinians would leave if given the choice. His remarks have drawn international condemnation, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar rejecting the idea. Meanwhile, new details of emaciated Israeli hostages have intensified calls for a longer truce, but far-right Israeli factions are demanding a return to war.
Trump Reaffirms Plan for U.S. to Control Gaza as Ceasefire Hangs in Balance – Quick Look
- Trump’s Bold Claim: Trump insists the U.S. will “own” Gaza, suggesting Arab nations should resettle displaced Palestinians.
- Ceasefire in Jeopardy: Israel and Hamas have made little progress toward a deal for a complete Israeli withdrawal.
- Hostage Crisis Deepens: Shocking details of starving hostages have put Netanyahu under pressure to extend the ceasefire.
- Israeli Troop Withdrawal: Israel has partially pulled back from the Netzarim corridor, allowing thousands of displaced Palestinians to return north.
- Global Backlash: Saudi Arabia and Qatar condemned Trump’s remarks, calling them a violation of international law.
- Violence Continues: Israeli operations in the occupied West Bank have led to the deaths of two Palestinian women, including a pregnant mother.
Trump Reaffirms Plan for U.S. to Control Gaza as Ceasefire Hangs in Balance – Deep Look
Trump Insists U.S. Will “Own” Gaza, Proposes Resettling Palestinians
Speaking aboard Air Force One en route to the Super Bowl, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance on Gaza, claiming the U.S. will take control of the territory and oversee its reconstruction.
“I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza,” Trump told reporters.
“We’re going to rebuild it, but other states may take sections of it under our guidance.”
Trump downplayed Palestinian resistance to his proposal, claiming:
“They don’t want to return to Gaza. The only reason they talk about returning is because they have no alternative. Give them another option, and they won’t go back.”
His comments have escalated tensions in the Middle East, particularly as Israel faces mounting pressure to extend the ceasefire.
Israel Faces Ceasefire Dilemma Amid Hostage Crisis
As part of the current truce, Hamas has been gradually releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for:
- Nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
However, the shocking physical condition of released hostages has fueled outrage in Israel, with some comparing them to Holocaust survivors.
“They were in horrible condition—emaciated, starved. It looked like Holocaust survivors,” Trump said.
“I don’t know how much longer we can take this.”
Israel Begins Partial Troop Withdrawal, but War Could Resume
Israeli forces withdrew from the Netzarim corridor, a key military zone, allowing displaced Palestinians to return north.
While this step signals progress toward a potential peace deal, Israeli officials insist:
- They will not agree to a full withdrawal until Hamas is eliminated.
- Hamas refuses to release the remaining hostages without a complete Israeli pullout.
Meanwhile, far-right Israeli officials are pressuring Netanyahu to resume military operations, arguing that the ceasefire benefits Hamas.
“They are dying there, so we need to finish this deal in a hurry,” said Ayala Metzger, daughter-in-law of a hostage who died in captivity.
Arab Nations Reject Trump’s Gaza Takeover Proposal
Trump’s remarks have triggered widespread condemnation, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar denouncing the idea as a violation of international law.
“This is an attempt to divert attention from Israeli crimes against Palestinians, including ethnic cleansing,” Saudi officials said.
Egypt has called an emergency Arab summit on Feb. 27, stating that Trump’s proposal poses a “dangerous threat” to regional stability.
Violence in the West Bank Escalates
While Gaza remains the primary focus, violence has also surged in the occupied West Bank.
- Israeli forces killed two Palestinian women in a military operation Sunday, including Sundus Shalabi, who was eight months pregnant.
- The Palestinian Health Ministry condemned the killings, calling them part of a broader Israeli crackdown in the region.
What’s Next? Ceasefire or Renewed Conflict?
With pressure mounting on both sides, the next few weeks could determine whether the war in Gaza continues or finally ends.
- Netanyahu is expected to hold high-level talks Tuesday to discuss the next phase of negotiations.
- Trump’s remarks have complicated diplomacy, putting Israel in a difficult position between U.S. support and regional backlash.
- Hostage families are demanding urgent action, fearing time is running out for those still in captivity.
For now, Gaza remains on edge, with the world watching whether the ceasefire holds—or if war resumes.
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