A day after President Donald Trump suggested that the United States might “take over” the Gaza Strip, potentially involving American troops, the Gaza-based Hamas militant group condemned his remarks, calling them a “recipe for creating chaos” in the Middle East.

In a statement, Hamas said, “We consider this a recipe for generating chaos and tension in the region. Our people in Gaza will not allow these plans to proceed.”

During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined his vision for Gaza, stating, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too.”

He described his plan as transforming the area into a new “Riviera,” adding, “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, levelling the area, and clearing the destroyed buildings.”

When asked if he would deploy U.S. troops to address security gaps in Gaza, Trump did not dismiss the possibility, saying, “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that. We’re going to take over that piece and develop it.”

Trump’s comments mark a striking departure from his previous stance, particularly given his rise to power in the U.S. by criticizing America’s prolonged military engagements in the Middle East and promising to redirect resources back to American citizens.

His proposal raises significant questions about the legal framework for such a move, the process of implementation, and the financial burden it would entail.

In response to Trump’s announcement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his government’s support for a two-state solution in the Middle East. Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament House on Wednesday, Albanese stated, “Australia’s position remains consistent with what it was this morning, last year, and in previous years.

The Australian government, on a bipartisan basis, supports a two-state solution.” This statement came after Trump revealed his plans during a bilateral meeting with Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday.

In a significant operation indicating the deepening cooperation between the United States and India, a US military aircraft has repatriated 205 Indian nationals who had previously entered the US illegally. The deportation was carried out using a C-17 aircraft from Texas, underscoring the enforcement of stringent immigration policies championed by US President Donald Trump.

The operation aligns with Trump’s aggressive stance on illegal immigration, a policy cornerstone that has seen similar deportations to countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. The deported individuals were thoroughly verified, a process suggesting active involvement by the Indian government, which is handling the logistics of repatriation in collaboration with the US.

This deportation comes ahead of a planned visit to the US by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his first since Trump’s re-election. The timing of the deportation underscores ongoing discussions between the two nations regarding the management of Indian nationals residing in the US without legal status. Earlier statements from External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s commitment to accept nationals who are verified as Indians and found to be staying illegally abroad.

The US embassy in New Delhi reiterated the US government’s resolve to enforce immigration laws and eliminate illegal migration. This joint operation could potentially be the precursor to more such flights intended to address the issue of illegal Indian immigrants in the US, with estimates suggesting up to 18,000 Indians could be affected.

This coordinated approach demonstrates a shared commitment to upholding immigration laws and addressing challenges associated with illegal residency, aiming to deter the associated risks and underline the consequences of non-compliance with immigration policies.

President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on nearly all US imports from Canada sparked immediate and forceful retaliation from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Hours after the executive order was signed, Trudeau addressed the nation and the American people directly, deploying a carefully calibrated blend of diplomacy and defiance.

Trudeau’s press conference in Ottawa served as a powerful counterpoint to Trump’s unilateral action. He acknowledged the long and intertwined history of the two nations, invoking shared sacrifices on battlefields from Normandy to Kandahar. “From the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of the Korean peninsula,” he stated, emphasizing the deep bonds forged through military cooperation and shared values. This appeal to shared history was a strategic move, designed to resonate with American audiences and underscore the absurdity of the trade war.

He directly challenged Trump’s rationale, arguing that partnership, not punitive tariffs, was the optimal path for both countries’ prosperity. “If President Trump wants to usher in a new golden age for the United States, the better path is to partner with Canada, not to punish us,” Trudeau declared. This carefully worded statement avoided direct confrontation while firmly asserting Canada’s position.

While acknowledging Canada’s desire to avoid escalation, Trudeau made it unequivocally clear that his government would not passively accept the economic harm inflicted by the tariffs. “We are certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs,” he asserted, signalling a firm commitment to retaliatory measures.

He painted a stark picture of the potential consequences for American consumers and businesses, warning of job losses in the auto industry and increased costs for everyday goods. “Tariffs against Canada will put your jobs at risk, potentially shutting down American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing facilities,” Trudeau warned, highlighting the interconnectedness of the North American economy.

The tariffs, imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China, were justified by the White House as a response to a “major threat” from illegal immigration and drugs. However, the lack of specific criteria for lifting the tariffs left a cloud of uncertainty over the future of North American trade relations.

Trudeau’s response signalled a willingness to defend Canadian interests while simultaneously appealing to reason and the long-standing relationship between the two nations. The coming weeks promised to be fraught with tension as both countries grappled with the implications of Trump’s protectionist policies.