Donald Trump’s proposal to “own” Gaza after Palestinians are forced out of the area, which according to Palestinian rights advocates, is gaining praise and rebuke in the US capital.
Among Trump’s Democratic rivals, the president’s remarks have spurred bewilderment and criticism, with some accusing him of threatening the stability of the entire Middle East.
His Republican allies have rushed to defend and applaud Trump, as has been the case with many of his controversial positions over the years.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon, Trump said the US would “take over” a depopulated Gaza and have “long-term ownership” of the Palestinian territory.
Al Jazeera examines the remarks made by US politicians regarding the proposal here.
Democrats
Richard Blumenthal
The proposal, according to the Connecticut senator, has “crazy implications for diplomatic relations between Israel and Arab countries.”
“In consequences for all sides, it’s deeply destructive – indeed, just to suggest it – threatening progress toward peace &, stability, sustaining &, expanding the Abraham Accords, &, returning hostages”, he wrote in a social media post.
Mike Quigley
The congressman from Indiana said he was “appalled” by Trump’s proposal, saying that the president is driven by the possibility of “real estate development” in Gaza.
“Make no mistake: This is a call for ethnic cleansing. Trump and Netanyahu’s best interests are the end of the Gaza war, Quigley wrote on social media.
Eric Swalwell
The California congressman reacted to Trump’s remarks, noting that the US president, who had campaigned for the end of all wars, has stated in recent weeks that he wants to acquire the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Canada.
“Wait what? The U. S. is going to occupy Gaza? No more endless wars were promised to us. By my count we are occupying Greenland, Canada, Panama Canal, and now…Gaza”? On X, Wallace said.
Judy Chu
Californian congresswoman criticised the proposal while also criticizing Elon Musk, a billionaire, as the Trump administration’s influence is growing.
“What the people of Gaza, Greenland, Panama, Canada, and whatever other area of the world Trump learns about next DON’T need: American troops to invade their homes”, she wrote.
Unelected billionaires must stop stealing our personal information and tax dollars, the people of America DO need.
Chris Murphy ,
The Connecticut senator dismissed Trump’s proposal, suggesting it may be a distraction.
“I have news for you – we aren’t taking over Gaza”, he said in a social media post.
Trump will have succeeded in detracting everyone from the real story, which is the billionaires seizing the government to steal from regular people, according to the media and the chattering class, for a few days.
Rashida Tlaib
Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in the US Congress, pleaded with other lawmakers who claim to support the two-state solution to speak out against Trump.
“Palestinians aren’t going anywhere”, the congresswoman, who represents a Michigan district, wrote in a social media post. Because of Congress’ bipartisan support for funding genocide and ethnic cleansing, “this president can only spew this fanatical bull***t.”
Republicans
Marco Rubio
Despite the destabilizing effects and outcry it would cause in Middle Eastern nations, the US secretary of state characterized Trump’s plan as a push for peace there.
“Gaza is beautiful once more and the United States is ready to lead.” The top US diplomat wrote on X that our goal is to achieve lasting peace in the region for everyone.
Rick Scott
The Florida senator falsely claimed that Trump’s proposal encouraged Hamas to burn alive children. That claim, related to the Palestinian group’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, has been widely debunked.
“Thank God we finally have a president who is determined to stand with Israel and work with Netanyahu to promote their efforts to expel terrorists from Gaza and return every hostage,” Scott said.
Brandon Gill
Trump’s push was seen as a diplomatic effort, according to the Texas legislator.
“President Trump is bringing peace to the Middle East, just as he promised”, he wrote on social media.
“PROMISES KEPT”.
Darrell Issa
The California congressman, who is of Lebanese descent, lauded Trump’s “vision” for the region.
According to him, “President Trump has the right perspective for the Middle East’s future.” He once more opens the door for modern peace.
Beth Van Duyne
The US president, according to the congresswoman from Texas, is relying on the US president to bring “lasting” peace, despite the country’s largely demonizing Trump’s proposal.
“Today’s announcement put Hamas, Iran, and all our enemies on notice — the US will NOT continue the status quo that has empowered terrorists and created a humanitarian disaster”, she said on X on Tuesday.
Rand Paul
The libertarian-leaning Kentucky senator provided some rare Republican criticism of Trump’s remarks, noting that GOP voters wanted a foreign policy that prioritises US interests.
“The pursuit for peace should be that of the Israelis and the Palestinians”, Paul wrote on X.
Source: Aljazeera
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