Washington, January 21, . US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he ‘does not believe’ that the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, which came into effect the previous day, will remain intact in all three phases. However, talking about the devastation in Gaza, he said that this area will have to be rebuilt.
Trump said, “This is their war, not ours. I don’t believe it.”
According to Israeli media, the US President said this in response to a question from reporters while signing executive orders in the Oval Office soon after his swearing-in.
However, Trump clearly mentioned Hamas. He said, “But I think they are very weak on the other side.”
The US President also talked about the devastation caused by the 15-month war in Gaza. He said, this enclave is ‘like a huge demolition site’ which ‘will have to be rebuilt in a different way.’
The real estate tycoon said Gaza is in a “wonderful location” along the Mediterranean Sea with the “best weather”. “Beautiful things can be done there, fantastic things,” he said.
When asked if he would help rebuild Gaza, the president replied: “Maybe I will help.”
Israel and Hamas on Sunday began implementing a ceasefire agreement that includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The plan was originally outlined in May by then-President Joe Biden and was pushed through after unusual joint diplomacy by his and Trump’s emissaries.
Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel then launched attacks in Gaza, killing at least 47,035 Palestinians and injuring 111,091.
