Trump Insists on US Control of Gaza Strip Amid Talks with Netanyahu

“It would be good if the US took control of the Gaza Strip,” Trump reiterated during his meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, late Tuesday night (07.04.2025) Greek time. Speaking to reporters after their meeting, Donald Trump emphasized that if the US assumed “control and authority over the Gaza Strip, it would be a positive move,” while also expressing his desire for hostilities in the Palestinian enclave to end soon. When asked about fulfilling his campaign promise to end the war in Gaza, the American President said: “I want the war to stop, and I believe it will stop eventually, but not in the distant future.” He assured that efforts continue for the release of hostages still held by Hamas, acknowledging that this is a time-consuming process. Both leaders answered questions in the Oval Office from a smaller group of journalists, as informed by the White House, though without explaining why. During their bilateral meeting, President Trump reiterated his idea of relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, calling the land “an incredible piece of important real estate.” Since the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas on October 7, 2023, against southern Israel, which resulted in 1,218 deaths and 251 hostages, more than 50,000 people have died due to Israeli military operations in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry. Among the 251 abducted, 58 remain in the Gaza Strip, but 34 of them are dead, according to the Israeli army. Meanwhile, in discussions with Netanyahu, President Trump highlighted, “We are having direct talks with Iran, which have begun. They will continue Saturday (12.04.2025), there will be a major meeting, and we’ll see what can be done.” Netanyahu stated that Israel will work to eliminate the trade deficit with the U.S. immediately. However, this may not be enough to change the tariffs imposed on Israel last week. “Maybe not,” Trump replied when asked if he plans to reduce tariffs on Israeli goods, referring to the billions in aid the U.S. provides annually to Israel.