On February 4, President Donald Trump made a surprising statement, declaring that the United States would take control of the Gaza Strip. He suggested that the U.S. would not only assume ownership of the area but would also be in charge of its reconstruction, with a focus on dismantling dangerous unexploded bombs and other threats. His remarks were made during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump did not offer detailed plans, but his comments were met with skepticism. Brian Katulis from the Middle East Institute dismissed the idea, saying it lacked practicality and was disconnected from reality. Earlier that day, Trump had proposed relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, calling Gaza a "demolition site" amid an ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.