The statement follows widespread criticism after Trump announced his aim to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
A day earlier, Israel directed its army to prepare for the “voluntary departure” of Gaza residents, a move that Defense Minister Israel Katz endorsed while welcoming Trump’s “bold plan.”
Katz said his proposal would offer Palestinians multiple exit routes—land, sea, or air. He also suggested that European countries critical of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, such as Spain, Ireland, and Norway, should be prepared to accept any displaced Palestinians.
Trump’s comments, posted on his Truth Social platform, emphasized that by the time fighting concludes, “Palestinians would have already been resettled in far safer and more beautiful communities.” He reiterated that “no soldiers by the U.S.” would be required on the ground.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza has seen almost 16 months of hostilities. Israel and Hamas were expected to hold talks on the second phase of a delicate ceasefire plan, though regional powers like Saudi Arabia have firmly rejected Trump’s proposal. Jordan’s King Abdullah, set to meet Trump at the White House next week, also voiced opposition to any plans to annex territory or displace Palestinians.
Hamas official Basem Naim accused Katz of obscuring the fact that Israel has not achieved its objectives in Gaza and said Palestinians would not abandon their homeland. Human rights groups warn that forced displacement under military occupation contravenes the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
Israeli strikes, which the Gaza Health Ministry says have killed tens of thousands of people over the past 16 months, have caused repeated internal displacement within the enclave.
Many Palestinians say they refuse to leave permanently, recalling the 1948 “Nakba,” or catastrophe, in which hundreds of thousands were displaced from what became the state of Israel.
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Source: Reuters, PAP