US President Donald Trump has assured that "no one would be expelled from the Gaza Strip," as negotiations between Hamas and Israel continue under the observation of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Washington has recently intensified its role in shaping the second phase of a Gaza peace deal, with a marked shift in the diplomatic discourse surrounding hostage release negotiations.
Trump made these remarks before his meeting with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the White House. Speaking alongside Martin, Trump said, "No one is expelling anyone from Gaza."
During the meeting, Trump also took aim at US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, stating, "Schumer is a Palestinian as far as I'm concerned. He’s become a Palestinian. He used to be Jewish. He’s not Jewish anymore. He’s a Palestinian."
He had made a similar statement regarding Schumer in a February post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Also read: Peace talks on Gaza ceasefire continue in Doha
Meanwhile, Martin urged for increased humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling for an early ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas since 7 October 2023.
The diplomatic rift between Ireland and Israel deepened in December when Israel shut down its embassy in Ireland, citing the country’s "anti-Israel policies."
The decision followed Ireland’s strong backing of South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Trump’s latest statement on Gaza follows his controversial remarks in February, where he asserted that the US would "take over the Gaza Strip, dismantle dangerous weapons, clear the destroyed buildings, and work towards economic development in the region."
Addressing a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump had declared, "The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it."
Despite widespread international criticism, including from US allies, Trump had repeatedly affirmed his stance on Gaza until Wednesday, when he appeared to shift position, abandoning earlier assertions about a US-led takeover.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations and discussions on humanitarian aid continue between Hamas and Israeli representatives, under the oversight of US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
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