Trump reiterates plans for U.S. takeover of Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his proposal for a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the relocation of Palestinians in the region.

Despite raising the possibility of U.S. troops being sent to the enclave, Trump said that would not be necessary.

Lee Seung-jae reports.

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, and the relocation of two million Palestinians.

The plan was heavily criticized by the international community,.. with some calling it a form of "ethnic cleansing."

However, the U.S. president revisited the proposal on Thursday.

Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the "Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting."

Under his proposal, Trump continued to explain that the Palestinians "would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes in the region."

He added that the U.S. would be part of efforts to redevelop the enclave.

However, he did not mention whether the Gazans would be allowed to return to their homes.

Under international law, attempts at forced transfer of populations from occupied territory are strictly prohibited.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday explained that the proposal for Palestinians to leave Gaza would be for an "interim" period while reconstruction took place.

Amid concerns that the U.S. may also send troops to Gaza, which would lead to further tensions in the Middle East, Trump said that his proposal would not require any U.S. soldiers.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.