Amid ongoing controversy surrounding his proposed ‘Gaza Plan,’ US President Donald Trump firmly stated that no one would be “expelled” from the Gaza Strip, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. Trump made these remarks on Wednesday during a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin at the White House.
“No one is expelling anyone from Gaza,” Trump asserted ahead of his discussions with Martin.
During the meeting, Trump sparked further controversy by making remarks about US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. He described Schumer as “a Palestinian,” adding, “Schumer is a Palestinian as far as I’m concerned. He used to be Jewish. He’s not Jewish anymore. He’s a Palestinian.” Trump had previously made a similar statement about Schumer on his social media platform, Truth Social, in February.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin used the occasion to call for an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza and urged both a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas since the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
This exchange comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Israel and Ireland. In December, Israel announced the closure of its embassy in Ireland, citing Ireland’s “anti-Israel policies.” The move followed Ireland’s support for South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice, which accused Israel of genocide.
Trump’s comments on Gaza follow his February statement proposing US intervention in the Gaza Strip. In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined a plan for the US to assume control over Gaza, dismantle dangerous weapons, clear damaged infrastructure, and drive economic development in the region.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it,” Trump said. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site and getting rid of the destroyed buildings. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.”
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Arab foreign ministers gathered in Doha and agreed to continue consultations with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, on a Gaza reconstruction plan proposed by Egypt. A joint statement issued after the meeting confirmed that discussions with Witkoff would continue as a foundation for Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.