By proposing to "take over" Gaza, US President Donald Trump has not only stunned the world but also departed from long-standing US policy in supporting a Palestinian state.

The president, known for provocative statements, spoke Tuesday of permanently displacing Palestinians from the war-devastated Gaza Strip, expressing his desire to transform the Palestinian territory into "the Riviera of the Middle East."

His comments sparked worldwide outcry Wednesday, particularly in the Arab world, as they appeared to challenge Palestinians' right to self-determination, with critics denouncing it as potential "ethnic cleansing."

The Republican billionaire, who portrays himself as a pragmatist with a transactional approach to foreign policy, hasn't ruled out sending troops to the region.

The White House moved quickly Wednesday to temper his remarks. Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt clarified that the United States would not "finance" reconstruction in Gaza and had not........

© Al Monitor