UN Expresses Shock Over Trump’s Proposal To Take Over Gaza, Resettle Its Population
Grandi explained that the lack of clarity around the specifics of Trump’s idea made it difficult to provide a detailed response to what is a “sensitive issue.”
President Donald Trump proposed that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip and resettle its population, a suggestion that has drawn concern from the United Nations.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, expressed surprise over the proposal, described it as a “very surprising” development that raised more questions than answers.
Speaking in Brussels on Wednesday, Grandi explained that the lack of clarity around the specifics of Trump’s idea made it difficult to provide a detailed response to what is a “sensitive issue.”
“It’s something very surprising, but we have to see what it means in concrete terms,” Grandi said.
Trump’s announcement was made on Tuesday during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, prompting audible gasps from the audience.
While details of the proposal remain unclear, the international community, particularly the UN, is eager to understand its implications for the people of Gaza and the broader Middle East peace process.
AFP reports that in a proposal that lacked details, Trump stated that he would transform the war-torn region into something “unbelievable” by clearing unexploded bombs and debris, as well as economically revitalising it.
Grandi, head of the UNHCR, mentioned that his agency was in the process of “renegotiating” US support after the US government announced a significant freeze on most of its aid.
“This situation is constantly changing, which is concerning because, as an organization, we can’t afford to wait too long,” Grandi explained.
He added that the US currently provides up to 40% of all the funding received by the UNHCR.
