Scoop: 145 Democrats demand Trump retract Gaza comments

• Trump said at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week that the U.S. "will take over the Gaza Strip," "own it" and turn it into the "Riviera of the Middle East."
• He doubled down this week by saying Palestinians wouldn't have the right to return to Gaza, saying of the region: "I would own this."

What they're saying: "We are alarmed that an American president would advocate for the forcible removal and permanent displacement of two million people," the lawmakers wrote in the letter, which was first obtained by Axios.

• The letter was signed by 145 of the 215 House Democrats, led by Reps. Sean Casten (D-Ill.) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.).
• They argued that such a move would "not only be morally indefensible," but damage the U.S.' global standing, put American troops in harm's way and lead to increased terrorism.

• They also argued that Trump's comments "risk jeopardizing the opportunity for the United States to work with our Arab partners" on rebuilding Gaza and finding a peaceful end to its conflict with Israel.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Editor's note: This article was updated to reflect more Democrats signing the letter.