Trump’s Gaza ‘take over’ plan unlikely to impact cease-fire talks: report

President Trump sowed some anxiety when he floated the idea of a US takeover of the Gaza Strip, but his remarks are unlikely to move the needle when it comes to upcoming cease-fire talks in Qatar and Egypt, an Arab official has insisted.

Speaking at a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Tuesday, Trump said the US “will take over the Gaza Strip,” and remove “all” of the some 2 million Palestinians living there and relocate them to neighboring countries.

Netanyahu praised the concept but other observers worried it could threaten the fragile cease-fire and hostage release agreement.  

The deal has seen 18 captives released by Hamas since it came into effect on January 19.

However, an Arab official with knowledge of the talks told CNN that Trump’s words will have no bearing on negotiations.

“Israelis are sending the delegation now after the meeting (in Washington with Trump) which is a good sign,” the official told the outlet, claiming that the president’s comments will hurt “the more moderate elements in Israel” by putting downward pressure on their ability to advance their position.

Asked whether he was optimistic about cease-fire talks entering the second phase in Gaza — including the hostages deal — Netanyahu told reporters, “we’re going to try.”

The six-week ceasefire and hostages deal took effect a day before Trump was inaugurated, and an Israeli delegation is expected to head to Doha, Qatar this week in an attempt to move the deal forward.

Hamas remains in control of portions of the Gaza Strip despite being greatly diminished in power over the course of the 16-month war.

Trump said the US would become “somewhat more violent” if Hamas reneged on its agreement to release all hostages it seized during the Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack that sparked the conflict.