Washington, DC – Donald Trump’s proposal for america to “personal” Gaza after Palestinians are compelled out of the enclave – a push Palestinian rights advocates say would quantity to ethnic cleaning – has drawn reward and rebuke within the US capital.
Amongst Trump’s Democratic rivals, the president’s remarks have spurred bewilderment and criticism, with some accusing him of threatening the soundness of your entire Center East.
But, as has been the case with a lot of Trump’s controversial positions over time, his Republican allies have rushed to defend and laud him.
Speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon, Trump stated the US would “take over” a depopulated Gaza and have “long-term possession” of the Palestinian territory.
Right here, Al Jazeera appears to be like at what some US politicians have stated in regards to the proposal.
Democrats
Richard Blumenthal
The Connecticut senator referred to as the proposal “loopy”, stressing its implications for diplomatic ties between Israel and Arab states.
“In penalties for all sides, it’s deeply harmful – certainly, simply to counsel it – threatening progress towards peace & stability, sustaining & increasing the Abraham Accords, & returning hostages,” he wrote in a social media put up.
Mike Quigley
The congressman from Indiana stated he was “appalled” by Trump’s proposal, saying that the president is pushed by the potential for “actual property growth” in Gaza.
“Make no mistake: This can be a name for ethnic cleaning. Neither Trump nor Netanyahu have the very best pursuits of Israelis and Palestinians in thoughts, which is an finish to the warfare in Gaza,” Quigley wrote on social media.
Eric Swalwell
The California congressman expressed befuddlement at Trump’s feedback, noting that the US president – who had campaigned on a pledge to finish all wars – has stated in latest weeks that he needs to amass the Panama Canal, Greenland and Canada.
“Wait what? The U.S. goes to occupy Gaza? We had been promised no extra countless wars. By my rely we’re occupying Greenland, Canada, Panama Canal, and now…Gaza?” Swalwell stated on X.
Judy Chu
The congresswoman from California slammed the proposal whereas additionally hitting out on the rising affect of billionaires comparable to Tesla CEO Elon Musk within the Trump administration.
“What the folks of Gaza, Greenland, Panama, Canada, and no matter different space of the world Trump learns about subsequent DON’T want: American troops to invade their houses,” she wrote.
“What the folks of America DO want: unelected billionaires to cease stealing our private data and tax {dollars}.”
Chris Murphy
The Connecticut senator dismissed Trump’s proposal, suggesting it could be a distraction.
“I’ve information for you – we aren’t taking up Gaza,” he stated in a social media put up.
“However the media and the chattering class will concentrate on it for a couple of days and Trump could have succeeded in distracting everybody from the true story – the billionaires seizing [the] authorities to steal from common folks.”
Rashida Tlaib
Tlaib, the one Palestinian American within the US Congress, urged fellow lawmakers who say they help the two-state resolution to talk up towards Trump.
“Palestinians aren’t going anyplace,” the congresswoman, who represents a Michigan district, wrote in a social media put up. “This president can solely spew this fanatical bull***t due to bipartisan help in Congress for funding genocide and ethnic cleaning.”
Republicans
Marco Rubio
The US secretary of state framed Trump’s plan as a push for peace within the area, regardless of the destabilising results and outrage it could gas in nations throughout the Center East.
“America stands prepared to guide and Make Gaza Lovely Once more. Our pursuit is one in every of lasting peace within the area for all folks,” the highest US diplomat wrote on X.
Rick Scott
The Florida senator falsely claimed that Hamas burned infants alive as he praised Trump’s proposal. That declare, associated to the Palestinian group’s October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel, has been broadly debunked.
“Thank God we lastly have a president who’s dedicated to standing with Israel and dealing with Netanyahu on easy methods to help their efforts to get terrorists out of Gaza and convey each hostage dwelling,” Scott stated.
Brandon Gill
The Texas legislator portrayed Trump’s push as an effort in direction of peace.
“President Trump is bringing peace to the Center East, simply as he promised,” he wrote on social media.
“PROMISES KEPT”.
Darrell Issa
The California congressman, who’s of Lebanese descent, lauded Trump’s “imaginative and prescient” for the area.
“President Trump has the fitting imaginative and prescient for the way forward for the Center East,” he stated. “He’s once more exhibiting the way in which as a peacemaker for our time.”
Beth Van Duyne
The congresswoman from Texas stated the world – which has largely condemned Trump’s proposal – is trying to the US president to ship “lasting” peace.
“Immediately’s announcement put Hamas, Iran, and all our enemies on discover — the US will NOT proceed the established order that has empowered terrorists and created a humanitarian catastrophe,” she stated on X on Tuesday.
Rand Paul
The libertarian-leaning Kentucky senator supplied some uncommon Republican criticism of Trump’s remarks, noting that GOP voters needed a international coverage that prioritises US pursuits.
“The pursuit for peace must be that of the Israelis and the Palestinians,” Paul wrote on X.
“I assumed we voted for America First. We’ve no enterprise considering one more occupation to doom our treasure and spill our troopers blood.”
