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White House refuses to commit to ensuring Palestinians can stay in Gaza under Trump's plan

February 5, 2025 at 8:58 pm

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks at the White House Press Briefing room first time as a White House Press Secretary in Washington DC., United States on January 28, 2025 [Celal Güneş/Anadolu Agency]

The White House refused Wednesday to commit to ensuring that any Palestinian that wants to remain in the besieged Gaza Strip will be allowed to do so under a highly controversial proposal put forward by President Donald Trump this week, Anadolu Agency reports.

Spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, said the White House expects Jordan and Egypt to accept displaced Palestinians “temporarily”.  But when asked directly by a reporter if she could confirm that under Trump’s plan to take ownership of the territory, Palestinians would be allowed to stay, Leavitt said: “I can confirm that the President is committed to rebuilding Gaza and to temporarily relocating those who are there.”

“It is a demolition site. There is no running water, there is no electricity. The President wants these individuals to live in peace. He is committed to doing that with this very bold new plan, and we will continue to keep you apprised of updates as we receive them,” she said, refusing to answer the reporter’s follow-up question.

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