A senior UK minister has rejected Donald Trump's idea of turning Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East" and relocating Palestinians from their homes. In comments that sparked outrage from leaders across the Middle East, the US President suggested Palestinians should be moved to neighbouring countries. Outlining his vision for the Gaza strip, which he described as a "demolition site right now", Mr Trump said the US could "take over" the territory.
Appearing alongside the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House he talked about finding a "beautiful area to resettle people, permanently, in nice homes where they can be happy and not be shot and not be killed and not be knifed to death like what's happening in Gaza". But Steve Reed, the UK's Environment Secretary, said: "The UK government's view is that Palestinian civilians after what they've been through these last 14 months must be able to return to their homes and rebuild their lives. And they will need a lot of international support to do that.".
BLUESKY: Follow our Mirror Politics account on Bluesky here. And follow our Mirror Politics team here - Lizzy Buchan, Jason Beattie, Kevin Maguire, Sophie Huskisson, Dave Burke, Ashley Cowburn, Mikey Smith. POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our Politics WhatsApp group here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
NEWSLETTER: Or sign up here to the Mirror's Politics newsletter for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox. PODCAST: And listen to our exciting new political podcast The Division Bell, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday. He told the BBC : "We all want there to be a long-lasting peace. That can only be built on the stability of a two state solution, with a secure Israel at peace within their borders living alongside a free and independent Palestinian state. That is what the UK government wants to continue working towards.".
But Mr Reed also said it would be "inappropriate to provide a running commentary" of everything the US President or other world leaders say. And he even praised Mr Trump for the current ceasefire in the region, telling Sky News: "I think we should give Donald Trump credit for the role that he played in securing this ceasefire in the first place.". He also told Times Radio: "We're seeing the release of the hostages as well. President Trump deserves credit for that. But the view of the British government remains that the best way to get a long-term peace in the region is for a two-state solution with a secure Israel and a viable and free Palestinian state.
"And the first step towards that must be Palestinian civilians being able to return to their homes and starting to rebuild their shattered lives.". Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller added: "Donald Trump’s proposal for Gaza is bizarre but also dangerous. It shows casual disregard for the rights and aspirations of Palestinians and threatens the basis for peace at this fragile moment.
