Donald Trump has said the United States would take control of the Gaza Strip and suggested the permanent resettlement of its 1.8 million residents to neighbouring Arab countries.

The announcement came during Tuesday’s talks with Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, at the White House.

President Trump outlined a vision where the US would assume responsibility for the clearance of unexploded bombs, with plans to transform the region into what he described as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

What did Trump say about Gaza?

Mr Trump said Palestinians should leave the enclave permanently, indicating he supports resettling them in countries like Egypt and Jordan.

“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.

“Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings. Level it out and create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.

“We’ll do a real job. Do something different. Just can’t go back. If you go back, it’s going to be the same way it has for 100 years.”