The White House clarified this evening that President Donald Trump is "not committed" to sending US troops to Gaza for now, a day after he announced that the United States would take control of the Palestinian enclave.
"The president has not committed to putting troops on the ground in Gaza," spokeswoman Caroline Levitt said.
When a reporter asked her for further clarification on the matter, she added: "The president is not engaged in anything like that at this time."
Levitt added that Trump believes the US should be involved in the reconstruction of Gaza "to ensure stability in the region."
She also said the US would not fund reconstruction and assured that the displacement of Gaza residents "will be temporary."
According to Levitt, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was aware in advance of the statements Trump would make.
From Guatemala, where he continues his tour, Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the US made a "unique offer" to intervene and clear the rubble in Gaza, adding that people will have to live elsewhere while reconstruction continues.
He stressed that this offer should not be seen as a hostile act, but its details will have to be discussed. "What Trump offered for Gaza is the willingness of the United States to take responsibility for the reconstruction of that region," he added.