JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that, after the conclusion of hostilities in Gaza, Israel would transfer control of the territory to the United States.

He claimed that the Palestinian population would be resettled elsewhere, indicating that the U.S. would not need to deploy troops to the area.

Trump's comments came a day after his controversial proposal to develop Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' sparked international condemnation, particularly as Israel and Hamas were slated to commence ceasefire negotiations in Doha.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, 'The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting.' He suggested that Palestinians would be relocated to 'safer and more beautiful communities' with modern housing.

Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed that he had ordered preparations for 'voluntary departure' of residents wishing to leave Gaza.

Katz stated that this plan would encompass both land crossings and special arrangements for sea and air travel.

Trump's announcement has faced substantial criticism, particularly from regional powers.

Saudi Arabia rejected the proposal outright, while King Abdullah II of Jordan stated he would oppose any plans that involve annexing land or displacing Palestinians.

Egypt similarly declared that it would not be involved in any initiatives aimed at displacing Palestinians from Gaza, where residents reacted with anger to Trump's comments.

Amid ongoing distress, Gaza resident Abdel Ghani expressed frustration, stating, 'We are hungry, homeless, and desperate but we are not collaborators.' The local population's sentiments reflect wider historical grievances, particularly concerns about the potential for forced displacement reminiscent of the Nakba, which saw hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced during the establishment of Israel in 1948.

The impact of Trump's proposal on current ceasefire discussions remains uncertain, as negotiations were anticipated to address the release of hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

So far, only 13 of 33 Israeli hostages designated for release have been freed.

International reactions to Trump's proposal include skepticism and concern from various quarters, including criticism from Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim, who accused Israeli officials of attempting to distract from their military failures in Gaza.

Furthermore, Israel's military campaign has reportedly resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands since October 2023, following a violent outbreak initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to many Palestinians being displaced internally within the territory.

Amid calls for a reevaluation of Gaza's future, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated that any potential relocations or departures must be voluntary, emphasizing the need for support from other nations willing to accept displaced Palestinians.

Several Israeli far-right politicians have voiced support for initiatives underpinned by Trump's proposals, while some military officials have advocated for plans to displace residents from Gaza.

As the international community grapples with the complexities of the situation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that displaced Palestinians would need to live elsewhere during Gaza’s reconstruction, though he did not clarify future prospects for their return.

Calls for countries perceived as critical of Israel's actions—including Spain, Ireland, and Norway—were made by Katz, suggesting these nations should consider accepting residents from Gaza.

With the situation ongoing and negotiations in flux, it remains to be seen how Trump's proposals will influence the broader geopolitical narrative concerning Israel and the Palestinian territories.