Gaza resettlement off the table for 10-15 years, Mike Waltz confirms

Rebuilding the Gaza Strip will take at least 10 to 15 years, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz told reporters on Tuesday, according to a White House pool report. Addressing concerns about the timeline, Waltz pushed back against earlier estimates of a five-year resettlement, calling them "very unrealistic."

Speaking outside the White House alongside U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Waltz framed President Donald Trump’s approach as a humanitarian effort. He referenced the severe conditions in Gaza, describing “thousands of unexploded ordnance” and widespread destruction that makes immediate resettlement impossible.

Witkoff echoed Waltz’s concerns, emphasizing the scale of devastation. “In any U.S. city, if even a fraction of this destruction had occurred, no one would be allowed to return,” he said. He warned of collapsing buildings, a lack of essential utilities, and potential health risks.

The discussion took place ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump, where the U.S. approach to Gaza’s future was expected to be a key topic. While phase three of the ceasefire and hostage release deal had originally suggested a five-year timeline for resettlement, Waltz and Witkoff made clear that a much longer process is now anticipated.

JNS News contributed to this article.