Australia news LIVE: Labor caves to Coalition’s mandatory sentencing call; World leaders condemn Trump’s plan to ‘take over’ Gaza

President Donald Trump has not committed to putting troops on the ground in the Gaza Strip as part of his proposal for a US takeover of the Palestinian enclave, the White House said on Wednesday.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump believes the United States needs to be involved in the rebuilding of Gaza.

“It’s been very made very clear to the president, that the United States needs to be involved in this rebuilding effort, to ensure stability in the region for all people,” Leavitt said.

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“But that does not mean boots on the ground in Gaza. It does not mean American taxpayers will be funding this effort.”

Leavitt also said Trump wants to see Palestinians who live in Gaza “temporarily relocated” in order for the enclave to be rebuilt. Trump had called on Tuesday for a permanent resettlement of Palestinians out of Gaza, drawing global condemnation.

Leavitt did not elaborate on the shift in rhetoric.

Reuters