Israeli Strikes Kill at Least 80 as Trump Talks of Making Gaza a 'Freedom Zone'

Israel launched a new and intense wave of airstrikes and artillery shelling on targets across Gaza yesterday morning, killing at least 80 people, as faltering talks on a new ceasefire continued in Qatar and Donald Trump said he wanted to see the US "make" the devastated territory "into a freedom zone".

- Jason Burke

Trump's statement recalled the plan he put forward in February for the US to take control of Gaza to allow for its reconstruction as a luxury leisure and business hub. The scheme implied the possible permanent displacement of much or all of its population of 2.3 million and triggered global outrage.

In Qatar, on the third day of his Middle East tour, Trump said: "I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good: make it a freedom zone, let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone. I'd be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone."

Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, rejected the idea, saying: "Gaza is an integral part of Palestinian land - it is not real estate for sale on the open market. We remain firmly committed to our land and our national cause, and we are prepared to make every sacrifice to preserve our homeland and secure our people's future."

There had been widespread hopes that Trump's regional visit could lead to a new pause in hostilities or a renewal of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where an Israeli blockade is now in its third month.