Key Context of President Trump's Comments on Gaza The Reality of Rebuilding: Public focus is often on the visible destruction, but the true challenge lies beneath the surface. Similar to past urban battles — Mosul, Marawi (left uninhabitable for years), Aleppo, and Raqqa — Gaza faces an even greater crisis. More than 400 miles of tunnels run under both destroyed and intact structures, many still uncleared and stocked with weapons. The presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO)— bombs, artillery shells, mortars—is significant, as in other war zones, but Gaza also has many buildings rigged with explosives by Hamas. The sheer volume of rubble removal alone presents a massive obstacle. Additionally, critical infrastructure—including water desalination, sewage systems, and food production —has been in a state of decay for years due to neglect under Hamas rule. Rebuilding Gaza is not just about construction; it requires a complete reconstruction of essential services. International Consensus on Hamas: Prior to Trump's remarks, all involved nations—including Arab states—had agreed that Hamas must be removed from political power and its armed groups dismantled to prevent attacks on reconstruction efforts. The vulnerability of humanitarian aid convoys illustrates the risks any rebuilding operation would face in a post-Hamas Gaza. Security Vacuum: Before Trump’s comments, no country had stepped forward to provide the necessary security for external construction companies to operate safely in Gaza. Without such security, rebuilding efforts cannot begin.
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