CAIRO/RAMALLAH/GAZA: In the aftermath of destructive military actions in Gaza that have left a significant portion of the territory in ruins, local residents are grappling with the implications of a newly announced plan by US President Donald Trump concerning the Palestinian population.

Amidst destruction and concerns over future stability, many Gazans express deep-seated fears regarding the president's suggestions for resettlement and the potential loss of their homes.

Shaban Shaqaleh, a resident of the heavily affected Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood, conveyed his apprehension after the announcement.

With his home destroyed, Shaqaleh initially considered taking his family to Egypt for refuge but reversed his decision following Trump's declaration.

The president's comments proposed that Gaza's approximately 2.2 million residents should not only be resettled but also relinquish their claims to return, an idea that has stirred considerable unrest.

The term 'Nakba', meaning 'Catastrophe', is often invoked by Palestinians to describe the mass displacements experienced during the establishment of Israel in 1948. Many in Gaza fear that Trump's plans could precipitate a similar situation today.

Shaqaleh, affirming his attachment to the land, stated, "The idea of selling my home or the piece of land I own to foreign companies to leave the homeland and never come back is completely rejected.

I am deeply rooted in the soil of my homeland and will always be."

Responses to Trump's statements indicate widespread rejection among Palestinians, reflecting a long-standing aspiration for statehood that includes both Gaza and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as the capital.

This sentiment is shared by various community leaders and residents alike.

The ongoing conflict escalated sharply after Hamas initiated a military operation against Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in Israel and the takedown of hostages.

Israel's military response has resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian casualties, according to local authorities in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and destruction within the enclave.

Following Hamas's announcement on Monday regarding the suspension of the release of Israeli hostages, Trump issued an ultimatum, demanding the group release all still-held individuals by a stated deadline or risk the cessation of the current truce.

His controversial remarks have prompted public outcry; one resident, Jomaa Abu Kosh from Rafah, emphasized the dire living conditions, stating, "Hell worse than what we have already?

Hell worse than killing?"

In the neighboring West Bank, reactions to Trump's remarks have been similarly negative.

Nader Imam questioned the legitimacy of Trump's authority to dictate terms regarding Gaza, asking, "Does he own Gaza to ask people to leave it?" Others expressed disillusionment with the political landscape, blaming his administration's actions for deepening Palestinian hardships.

The resettlement plan threatens to upend longstanding US diplomatic efforts focused on a two-state solution, compelling neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan to reconsider their own national security objectives as the plan has been met with rejection from both nations.

Jordan's Prime Minister and legislative figures have voiced strong objections, asserting that any resolution to the Palestinian question should not be at the expense of Jordanian sovereignty.

As tension continues and discussions unfold, the implications of Trump's proposals remain a highly sensitive issue in the region.