Hamas representative Sami Abu Zuhri. Photo: Yassine Mahjoub / Sipa Press
On Wednesday , Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri strongly condemned US President Donald Trump ‘s words about Washington’s intention to take control of the Gaza Strip.
“Trump’s statements about wanting to control Gaza are ridiculous and absurd. Any such ideas could provoke an escalation in the region,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters.
On Tuesday, during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, Trump said that the United States was ready to take control of Gaza after Palestinians resettle to other countries.
The sharp reaction of the Arab world
Following this statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia issued an official comment in which it stressed that it categorically rejects any attempts to forcibly relocate Palestinians.
Trump also called on Jordan, Egypt and other Arab states to take in Gazans, saying they had “no choice” but to leave the war-torn territory.
Estimates of the damage caused to Gaza by the war:
- According to the UN, 50 million tonnes of rubble is the volume of debris left by Israel’s bombing.
- 21 years is the approximate time required to fully clean up the territory.
- 1.2 billion is the preliminary cost of rebuilding Gaza.
It is currently unclear how Washington intends to implement this plan, as it contradicts the previous US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In the coming days, Arab leaders are expected to express their official positions on this issue.
