BREAKING: Trump Suggests Controlling Gaza Belt; Global Leaders React
In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy and debate, suggesting that the United States should control the Gaza Strip. The announcement has sent shockwaves across the globe, with international leaders and experts weighing in on the provocative proposal.
Live Reaction and Updates:
09:00 AM EST: The White House confirms that President Trump made the comments during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Spokespersons state that the President emphasized the need for "maximum pressure" on the Hamas militants violently occupying the Gaza Strip.
09:15 AM EST: The hashtag #GazaStrait is trending on Twitter, with users weighing in on the proposal. Many critics are expressing concern over the potential implications for regional stability and the rights of Palestinians living in the occupied territories.
09:30 AM EST: The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, has issued a statement, saying, "We are alarmed at the President’s proposal. It undermines the already fragile peace process and puts the lives of millions of Palestinians at risk."
09:45 AM EST: Prime Minister Netanyahu has issued a statement, saying, "We appreciate President Trump’s commitment to our security and the continued fight against extremist groups. It’s time for international pressure to be brought to bear on the situation in Gaza."
10:00 AM EST: The Islamic State (ISIS) has released a statement, saying, "This is a bold move by President Trump. It shows the West has finally realized the threat posed by Hamas and the need for decisive action."
10:15 AM EST: The European Union has issued a joint statement, saying, "We reiterate our commitment to a two-state solution and urge all parties to work towards a peaceful and negotiated resolution. Intimidation and coercion will only lead to further instability."
10:30 AM EST: The Arab League has expressed "grave concern" over the proposal, stating that it "will only serve to inflame tensions and destabilize the region."
10:45 AM EST: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has tweeted, "This is a grave mistake by President Trump. We will not stand idly by as our allies plotted by external forces. #Epic Fail @realDonaldTrump"
11:00 AM EST: The Gaza Strip is on high alert, with reports of clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The situation remains fluid, with international mediators scrambling to address the escalating tensions.
11:15 AM EST: The United States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has announced that the Administration will meet with international partners to discuss "collective measures to address the Gaza crisis." The US State Department has also released a statement, saying, "We are committed to promoting peace, security, and stability in the region, and we believe that maximum pressure is necessary to achieve these goals."
11:30 AM EST: The global community remains divided, with some supporting the proposal as a means to combat terrorism and others decrying it as a provocative, destabilizing step. As the situation continues to unfold, world leaders will be watching closely for the developments in this crisis.
