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U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that he is focused on rebuilding Gaza rather than discussing a one-state or two-state solution following the implementation of a ceasefire in the region.
"I'm not talking about one state, a double state, or two states. We're talking about the reconstruction of Gaza," Trump said while answering reporters' questions aboard Air Force One during his return flight from Egypt.
Trump had attended the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt, where world leaders gathered following the Gaza ceasefire agreement that took effect on Oct. 10.
When asked about Gaza's future governance, Trump said different parties want different outcomes.
"We'll see that. Many people want a one-state solution. Some want a two-state solution," Trump said.
Regarding how he would bridge differences with Arab countries on Palestinian policies, Trump said he would decide what he thinks is right while coordinating with other states.
Trump rejected suggestions that it was too early to declare peace in the Middle East.
"Do you want more people to die? You're saying let them fight for a few more years, let buildings continue to collapse on people? We did it the right way. I think our timing was perfect," Trump said.
Trump described his relationship with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as "great" when asked about Erdogan's mediation efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war. "Yes, Erdogan gets respect from Russia," Trump said.
"I can only get along with tough people. I can't get along with weak people," Trump said.
Trump announced on Oct. 9 that Israel and Hamas had approved the first phase of a ceasefire plan in Gaza during negotiations in Egypt. The Israeli government approved the agreement, which took effect on Oct. 10.
The peace summit addressing the Gaza ceasefire took place Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with participation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Trump, Erdogan, and numerous other heads of state.
The White House released the full text of the "Trump Declaration for Lasting Peace and Prosperity," signed by four guarantor countries, including Türkiye, at the peace summit.
The declaration expressed satisfaction with all parties' commitment to the "Trump Peace Agreement" and its implementation.
The document stated support for Trump's efforts to end the war in Gaza and bring lasting peace to the Middle East.
"We will implement this agreement together in a way that provides peace, security, stability and opportunity for all peoples in the region, including Palestinians and Israelis," the declaration said.
The declaration emphasized that lasting peace would allow both Palestinians and Israelis to live in prosperity with fundamental human rights protected, security guaranteed and dignity preserved.
The signatories committed to eliminating all forms of extremism and radicalism.
"No society can thrive where violence and racism are normalized or radical ideologies threaten the fabric of civil life," the declaration said.
The document stated that future disputes would be resolved through diplomatic contacts and negotiation rather than force or prolonged conflict.
The signatories acknowledged that the region cannot endure another cycle of continuous wars, stalled negotiations, or partially implemented agreements.
"The tragedies witnessed over the past two years should serve as an urgent warning that future generations deserve better than the failures of the past," the declaration said.
The declaration aims to ensure tolerance, human dignity and equal opportunity so everyone in the region can realize their dreams in peace, security, and economic prosperity regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.
Erdogan, Trump, el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed the "Trump Declaration for Lasting Peace and Prosperity," also called the "Letter of Intent," at Monday's peace summit in Egypt.
The United Nations Development Program's (UNDP) Special Representative for Palestine, Jaco Cilliers, said a joint assessment by the United Nations, European Union, and World Bank estimates approximately $70 billion will be needed to rebuild Gaza.
Cilliers participated online in the U.N. Geneva Office's weekly press briefing on Tuesday to provide his assessment.
Cilliers said shocking destruction has occurred in Gaza, yet the resilience of Gazans remains incredible, and their determination to rebuild the Gaza Strip is very high.
Cilliers emphasized that all parties must respect the ceasefire reached in Gaza, underlining that this is important for long-term stability and recovery in Gaza.
UNDP has already removed approximately 81,000 tons of debris, Cilliers said, which corresponds to approximately 3,100 truckloads of rubble.
"Much of the debris removal work is currently being done to provide access for humanitarian aid actors. This allows us to provide much-needed aid and support to the people of Gaza. We are also helping hospitals and other social services that need to be cleared of debris," Cilliers said.
The Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, conducted jointly by the U.N., European Union, and World Bank to estimate the cost of reconstruction work in Gaza, projects that approximately $70 billion will be needed to rebuild Gaza, Cilliers said.
"This means approximately $20 billion will be needed over the next three years. We are also calling for much-needed access to provide opportunities to address reconstruction and early recovery efforts in Gaza."
"This includes much-needed heavy equipment that should help with restoration and repair of damages and reconstruction efforts," Cilliers said.
Cilliers said that in addition to donor funds, the private sector could also provide financing for Gaza's recovery, noting the private sector could provide approximately 50% of the financing for these efforts.
Cilliers stressed that the amount of debris waiting to be removed in Gaza is around 55 million tons, indicating this continues to increase.
Cilliers noted that UNDP has always continued to work, stay and serve in Gaza, operating in all areas, including humanitarian aid, early recovery and development.
"It is clear that we have a long road ahead, but we hope that with the support of U.N. partners and other international and national actors, recovery efforts can begin as soon as possible," Cilliers said.
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