White House appears to backtrack after Trump’s Gaza takeover plan sparks global outcry

US President Donald Trump speaks alongside newly confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi during her swearing in ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The Trump administration appeared to backtrack after US President Donald Trump’s shock proposal to take over the Gaza Strip Tuesday sparked condemnation from Palestinians, world leaders and the United Nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said any population transfer would be temporary and the White House said there had been no commitment to sending US troops. Read our blog to see how the day's events unfolded.

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Yesterday's main events: