In a bold statement during his visit to Qatar, President Donald Trump declared his intention for the United States to 'take' Gaza and transform it into a 'freedom zone.' This comment comes as violence continues to escalate in the region amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

During his remarks, Trump expressed that he has innovative concepts for Gaza, which he believes could lead to a positive change in the area. 'Let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone,' he asserted. Trump added, 'I’d be proud to have the United States take it, make it a freedom zone,' highlighting his desire for US intervention in resolving the enduring turmoil in Gaza.

Trump's comments come at a time when the situation in Gaza has become increasingly dire. Reports indicate that Gaza’s civil defense agency spokesperson, Mahmud Bassal, confirmed that at least 13 individuals were recovered from the rubble following a recent dawn strike in Khan Younis, a city located in southern Gaza. Tragically, another 35 people lost their lives in 12 separate strikes throughout the Gaza Strip during the same period. Bassal noted that the violence also resulted in the death of a woman due to artillery shelling and a man who was shot.

Prior to these statements about Gaza, President Trump attended a business forum in Qatar, where he engaged with leaders from major corporations, including GE Aerospace and Boeing. During the forum, both Larry Culp, CEO of GE Aerospace, and Kelly Ortberg, CEO of Boeing, praised Trump for his staunch support for a significant order from Qatar Airways for Boeing aircraft. Ortberg referred to this deal as one of the largest orders that Boeing has ever received.

As part of his visit, Trump is also scheduled to address US troops stationed at Qatar’s al-Udeid airbase. This base has played a crucial role as a staging ground during the US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and has been instrumental in supporting the recent air campaign against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. In his discussions, Trump has often pointed to Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar as exemplars of economic development in a region that has long been beset by conflict. His goal appears to be enticing Iran to negotiate a deal regarding its nuclear program as he seeks to stabilize relations in the Middle East.

Following his engagements in Qatar, President Trump is set to travel to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to continue his diplomatic discussions in the region.