Summary

  • Donald Trump restates his plan for a US takeover of the Gaza Strip, after his idea was rejected by Palestinians and leaders around the world on Wednesday

  • Writing on social media, Trump says Gaza "would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting"

  • Palestinians "would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities, with new and modern homes, in the region," he adds

  • Trump's plan won't happen, writes our international editor Jeremy Bowen, but it will have consequences

  • Trump announced his Gaza plan on Tuesday night, saying he wanted the US to take a "long-term ownership position"

  • The president spoke at two prayer events in Washington DC on Thursday morning - although he didn't discuss his Gaza plan, he said he wanted to be known as a "peacemaker and a unifier"

  1. 'There is a cost to everything,' ex-Jordanian FMpublished at 15:20 Greenwich Mean Time

    al-Anani speaking at a lectern into a microphone. A glass of water is placed in front of himImage source, Getty Images

    "He's the strongest man in the world right now - but there is a cost to everything," Jordan’s former foreign minister says of Donald Trump.

    Speaking to the BBC World Service's Newshour programme, Jawad al-Anani adds that “if he [Trump] is going to treat his allies like this, then who needs his friendship? Why would we just surrender to him?”

    When Trump made his comments about resettling Gazans, he suggested some could be rehoused in nearby countries, including Jordan.

    "Jordan has defied the United States before…and I’m sure we are going to have an uphill fight with the president," al-Anani says.

    He says the financial aid from America is important to Jordan, but "it does not supersede our existential worries".

  2. Trump mentions Gaza war - but not 'take over' proposalpublished at 15:01 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump standing facing slightly sideways at the lectern speaking into a microphone in front of two American flagsImage source, Reuters

    Donald Trump has just finished speaking at the Hilton hotel in Washington DC.

    The president reflected briefly on the situation in Gaza, but did not mention his stated plans for the US to "take over" the territory.

    After thanking his second audience of the day, Trump exited to applause.

  3. Trump takes credit for Gaza ceasefire, calls himself 'peacemaker'published at 14:50 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump turns his attention to the Middle East, taking credit for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire which came into effect on 19 January.

    He says he hopes "his greatest legacy will be being known as a peacemaker and a unifier".

    The president says that when he left office after his first term "there were no wars. When I came back we had Russia-Ukraine, and the Middle East had exploded".

    The president asks some family members of Israeli hostages sitting in the audience to stand.

    "We keep you in our hearts," he says. "As president, I will not rest until every remaining hostage is returned to their families."

  4. President hails 'golden age' of Americapublished at 14:42 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump speaking in front of an American flag into a microphone at a lecternImage source, Reuters

    Speaking at a second prayer breakfast, Trump says that after "four long dark years" it's nice to be back at these events.

    He says the foundation of America is made up of four simple words - "in God we trust".

    Again, Trump says there will be a "big party" next year, as the country hosts the football World Cup and celebrates its 250th anniversary.

    The "golden age of America has officially begun," he says.

    "Optimism is soaring, hope is returning."

  5. Trump primed for second speechpublished at 14:22 Greenwich Mean Time

    President Donald Trump is taking to the stage for his second speech of the day, at a separate prayer event in Washington DC.

    This time, he's swapped the Capitol for the Hilton hotel.

    His previous address was short and simple, focusing on his religious beliefs and the assassination attempt last July.

    We'll bring you the key lines on this next address - follow our stream by hitting watch live.

  6. Protests in Gaza as Trump repeats US 'take over' planpublished at 14:13 Greenwich Mean Time

    A crowd of men, looking stony faced, holding banners and postersImage source, Getty Images

    Meanwhile in Gaza, Palestinians are protesting as Donald Trump continues to say America will "take over" the territory.

    Demonstrators have been pictured standing outside the al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.

    Some hold banners that read: "These lands are ours. We will build and develop Gaza with our will and determination."

  7. Trump idea took even top aides by surprise, report sayspublished at 13:59 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump's idea for Gaza was met with scepticism from certain members of his own Republican Party - as well as criticism from rival Democratic politicians, and condemnation within the international community.

    As for his inner circle - the US president's suggestion that his country would "take over" Gaza and develop the Palestinian enclave took even senior aides by surprise, the New York Times has reported, external.

    When Trump first publicly floated the idea on Tuesday, his administration had not done basic planning on how the idea would work, the newspaper says, citing four people with knowledge of the discussions.

    Two sources also tell the paper that even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was taken aback, as he stood alongside Trump at a press conference that evening. The Israelis did not respond to a request for comment, the NYT says.

    Media caption,

    Watch: Democrats and Republicans react to Trump's Gaza plan

  8. A quick, uneventful speech from Trumppublished at 13:49 Greenwich Mean Time

    resident Donald Trump speaksImage source, Getty Images

    President Donald Trump spoke for just over 20 minutes in the US Capitol - he's now finished and will be heading off to his second prayer event of the day.

    He didn't mention his plans for the US to "take over" the Gaza Strip in his speech, after doubling down on the proposal earlier this morning.

    We're expecting another speech from him at the next event, so stay with us.

  9. Trump says 'proper controls' needed to avoid further crashespublished at 13:44 Greenwich Mean Time

    Taken from side on, Trump speaking into a microphone with his arms in front of him and hands splayedImage source, Reuters

    Turning again to the DC plane and helicopter crash last month, Trump says that "the odds of two things colliding in space is so small, we should have had proper controls in place".

    He adds that the crew in the control tower at the airport were understaffed, adding: "I guess the helicopter was too high, but we'll find out what happened."

    As a reminder, it remains unclear what caused the crash and an investigation is continuing to determine what went wrong.

    Trump says a new computerised system for control towers will be put in place. He promises to "cut the old system loose" and "spend less money to build a great new system".

  10. Trump ties fatal Washington crash to his assassination attemptpublished at 13:41 Greenwich Mean Time

    Continuing his address, Trump begins to talk about the fatal collision between a plane and helicopter in Washington DC on 29 January. There were 67 victims.

    He says it reminds him of the attempt on his life last July, when a shooter fired on him at a campaign rally and struck his ear.

    Trump talks for several moments length about the assassination attempt, before returning to the fatal crash. He says that the incident has reminded him that one could never know when their time would come.

    "I feel even stronger," Trump said of his belief that God was involved in such events.

  11. President kicks off with reflective addresspublished at 13:31 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump speaking with both hands held out either side of himImage source, Reuters

    As we've been reporting, Donald Trump is speaking at two prayer breakfasts this morning.

    He's just stepped up to the podium at the first in Washington DC, where he thanks some of the senators in attendance, flanked by three US flags.

    He begins by reflecting on the role of religion in the founding of the United States of America.

    The president says the US will be celebrating its 250th anniversary in July next year.

    He says that he intends to honour the nation's heroes and celebrate by signing an executive order for the creation of a new national park.

  12. Trump begins speech - follow livepublished at 13:23 Greenwich Mean Time

    Trump speaking into a microphoneImage source, Reuters

    President Donald Trump is speaking now at the National Prayer Breakfast.

    He opens by saying it's "very beautiful".

    "Our country is starting to do very well again, it's happening fast, a little faster than people thought," he says.

    We'll update you on the key lines here. You can follow along by tapping thewatch live button at the top of the page.

  13. What's on Trump's agenda for today?published at 13:14 Greenwich Mean Time

    Donald Trump sitting down at his wooden desk in the Oval Office in dark suit and red tie, Family photos are visible to his left on a small tableImage source, Getty Images

    It's a packed schedule for the 47th president this morning local time. Here are the highlights:

    • The president started off the day at 07:35 (12:45 GMT), leaving the White House to make his way to the Capitol for the National Prayer Breakfast, where he'll say a few words. This is a relatively new venue, after the US Congress took over hosting duties two years ago
    • He'll then make his way to a second national prayer breakfast, arriving at 09:00 (14:00 GMT)at the Washington Hilton hotel. This is a separate event hosted by the evangelical Christian organisation The Fellowship, which broke away from the official hosts in 2023, external
    • At 11:00 ET (16:00 GMT), he's due to be back at the White House to meet Republican members of Congress to discuss the budget
    • After lunch, he's scheduled to be in the Oval Office from 14:30 (19:30 GMT) to sign executive orders
  14. What is the National Prayer Breakfast?published at 13:02 Greenwich Mean Time

    The annual event, held on the first Thursday in February goes back to 1953, when president Dwight D Eisenhower was invited to join a prayer circle founded by Christian minister Abraham Vereide.

    It's grown to become one of the most important political events on the Washington calendar.

    In previous years, thousands of members of the American political establishment have met for a morning of eggs, coffee and prayer. This year, it's being hosted by Congress inside the Capitol.

    According to the National Prayer Breakfast Foundation website, it is "an opportunity for Members of Congress to pray collectively for our nation, the President of the United States, and other national and international leaders in the spirit of love and reconciliation as Jesus of Nazareth taught 2,000 years ago".

    Although all religious backgrounds are welcome, it is primarily a Christian gathering. Spinoff events are now held in other US cities and countries, including in the UK.

    It's tradition for the president to speak, and we'll be hearing from Trump today.

  15. Donald Trump to speak at prayer breakfast after Gaza controversypublished at 12:54 Greenwich Mean Time

    Adam Goldsmith
    Live reporter

    Donald Trump holds newspaper aloftImage source, Getty Images

    After his comments on the future of Gaza drew international condemnation, Donald Trump will give a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast event in Washington this morning.

    An annual tradition, the event hosts the US president as well as members of the US Congress and other dignitaries in an opportunity to pray collectively for the United States.

    When Trump addressed the 68th annual gathering back in February 2020, he reflected on his work "building the world's most prosperous and inclusive society".

    While taking the stage, he also waved two newspapers at the crowd, both displaying headlines that read "acquitted" after Senate impeachment proceedings against the president had been brought to an end.

    We don’t know what Trump will say during his speech, but we expect him to address his comments on Gaza - that’s after his Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to row back on suggestions that the US “take over” the territory.

    You can follow the speech by pressing watch live on the top of the page - we’re expecting it to begin after 13:00 GMT (08:00 EST).

    In the meantime, we’ll keep you up to date on everything Trump said about the future of Gaza, as well as bringing you the world's reaction.

  16. Donald Trump opens up issue on how to rebuild Gazapublished at 12:45 Greenwich Mean Time

    Nomia Iqbal
    North America correspondent

    The question of what to do about post-war Gaza has been a question that nobody has been able to answer.

    Even PM Netanyahu has dodged it many times.

    Despite the astonishing and unrealistic proposal of Donald Trump - a real estate developer turned president - he has opened up the issue on how to reconstruct Gaza.

    He has constantly told his supporters he doesn’t believe in nation building or getting involved conflicts overseas so his plan is vague and full of contradictions.

    But he also hasn’t really talked about what happens to Hamas and how to remove them from Gaza.

    That is something many Arab nations would want to hear if they - and that’s a big if - they help in rebuilding the enclave.

    Netanyahu has said the war won’t stop unless Hamas is totally destroyed - which defence experts say is unrealistic.

  17. Spain and Ireland reject Katz's call to home displaced Gazanspublished at 12:33 Greenwich Mean Time

    Jose AlbaresImage source, Getty Images

    Spain and Ireland have hit back at Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz for suggesting the two countries are “legally obligated” to allow Gazans to enter their territory.

    Reuters news agency reports an emailed statement from the Irish foreign ministry, that reads: “The objective must be a massive scale up of aid into Gaza, return of basic services and a clear framework under which those displaced can return.

    “Any comments to the contrary are unhelpful and a source of distraction."

    Meanwhile, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares tells radio station RNE: "The place for Palestinians is Palestine and for Gazans it is Gaza.

    “No one should enter into the debate about where the Palestinians and in particular the Gazans should go, because the debate is closed by them."

  18. Trump doubles-down on Gaza proposal - but remains vaguepublished at 12:20 Greenwich Mean Time

    Tom Bateman
    State Department Correspondent, Washington

    President Trump’s latest social media post adds more detail to his plan for Gaza, meaning it’s possible to piece together more of what he is proposing - even though much of it remains vague and some elements have already been contradicted by his own officials.

    He says that Gaza would be “turned over” to the United States by Israel at the end of the war.

    The plan envisages that Israel would first expel all the Palestinians and the US would then become the occupying power.

    However, he says this would be done without using any US troops.

    The Americans “working with great development teams from all over the World” would then rebuild Gaza into “one of the greatest and most spectacular developments of its kind on Earth”.

    He has already said that the US would not pay for this - the reconstruction would be funded by other countries so that “the world’s people” can live in Gaza while most Palestinians would be “resettled… permanently” elsewhere.

  19. IDF ordered to make plans for voluntary resettlement of Gazanspublished at 12:09 Greenwich Mean Time

    Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz holds his fist in the air during a speech.Image source, EPA
    Image caption,

    Israel's defence minister Israel Katz has given his support to Trump's proposal

    Overseas, there's been a outcry against Trump's suggestion to "take over" Gaza, as among other things it would likely mean a serious breach of international law.

    However, the idea has been better received in Israel.

    Its defence minister Israel Katz has posted on X, external praising Trump's "bold initiative" for creating "extensive opportunities for those in Gaza who wish to leave".

    "Countries such as Spain, Ireland, Norway, and others, which have falsely accused Israel over its actions in Gaza, are legally obligated to allow Gazans to enter their territory," he adds.

    Katz also says he's instructed the Israeli military to prepare a plan allowing "any resident of Gaza who wishes to leave to do so, to any country willing to receive them".

  20. UK to oppose attempts to move Gazans 'against their will'published at 12:02 Greenwich Mean Time

    Shortly before Trump doubled-down on his Gaza proposal, Foreign Office minister Anneliese Dodds told the House of Commons the UK “would oppose any effort to move Palestinians in Gaza to neighbouring Arab states against their will”.

    Dodds says “Palestinians must determine the future of Gaza” and the UK government considers the enclave an “integral part” of a future Palestinian state “with Palestinians living next to Israelis in peace and security”.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the UK’s position in his phone call with President Trump last week, she adds.