Trump not committing to US troop deployment in Gaza, White House clarifies

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that President Trump has not committed to deploying US troops to Gaza, despite his controversial statement about the US 'taking over' the region. The administration intends to collaborate with regional partners for Gaza's reconstruction and aims for lasting peace, without US boots on the ground or taxpayer funding for rebuilding (Economic Times, Forbes, Times of India, Politico, Mediaite). Trump's proposal has faced significant backlash, with critics like Dr. Sara Husseini and Dr. Nimer Sultany condemning it as an extension of Palestinian dispossession and a violation of international law (The Guardian). House Speaker Mike Johnson called the proposal a 'bold move' but urged the public to withhold judgment until a formal plan is announced (Forbes). Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other leaders have expressed concern over potential forced displacement, which they argue violates international law (Forbes, The Guardian).