WASHINGTON, DC – This week, after President Trump called for the U.S. to "take over" and "own" Gaza, forcibly resettling its population in the process, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, rejected the proposal, stating:

“I am appalled by President Trump’s declaration that the United States should occupy and rebuild Gaza, potentially with American military forces.  His callous proposal is outrageous and contrary to the long-term interests of the U.S., Gaza, Israel, and our partners in the region.  Trump’s bluster undermines decades of bipartisan support for a two-state solution, gives ammunition to our adversaries, and sows distrust among our allies.

“Involving the U.S. in the forced resettlement of Palestinians would be immoral and illegal.  Further, if he were to put U.S. troops on the ground in Gaza it would be a disastrous national security mistake. 

“I urge Israeli and Palestinian leaders to move beyond the current ceasefire toward a long-term plan for governance and a framework for a two-state solution.  President Trump should control his impulse to inject chaos into this delicate situation.”