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Trump's remarks on Gaza, echoed by US officials, have drawn global criticism. Former Irish diplomat Bobby McDonough told Al Jazeera that Trump's comments reveal a “moral vacuum” in the White House. He warned against dismissing them as mere rhetoric but noted Trump often backs down. McDonough stressed Ireland’s support for a two-state solution, adding that Israel has “zero legal, moral, historical, biblical rights” to Palestinian land. He said Trump’s stance harms US global standing and efforts to normalise Israel-Arab ties, and he hoped it wouldn’t disrupt ceasefire talks.

Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, says she is “shocked at the defiance towards international law, not just by Israel, but by most countries in the international community”.

Hamas officials have released a statement in response to Trump once again reiterating his desire to relocate Gaza’s population to another country. “We consider it a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region. Our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass,” the statement said. “What is required is an end to the occupation and aggression against our people, not their expulsion from their land,” Hamas said. “Our people in Gaza have thwarted displacement and deportation plans under bombardment for more than 15 months. They are rooted in their land and will not accept any schemes aimed at uprooting them from their homeland.”

Saudi Arabia said its support for the establishment of a Palestinian state is unwavering and it rejects any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.

President Donald Trump said he wants the US to take over the war-shattered Gaza Strip after Palestinians are displaced to neighbouring countries, and develop the territory so the “world’s people” will live there. Hamas released a statement in response to Trump, saying his plans are “a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region. Our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass”. Saudi Arabia said its support for the establishment of a Palestinian state is unwavering and it rejects any attempts to displace Palestinians from their land.

senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara, highlights the unified opposition of Arab League nations to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. He emphasizes that despite this stance, the Trump administration remains convinced it can pressure countries into agreement. Bishara suggests that Trump's vision of transforming Gaza into a luxury development is unrealistic, irrational, and not worth serious discussion. Meanwhile, Hamas officials have released a statement in response to President Trump once again reiterating his desire to relocate Gaza’s population to another country. “We consider it a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region. Our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass,” the statement said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds a joint press conference with US President Donald Trump in the East Room at the White House in Washington, US. Trump said that the US will take over and own the Gaza Strip, adding that "the same people" should not be in charge of rebuilding and occupying the land.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a news conference at the White House.

senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara, highlights the ongoing discussions between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasizing their shared goal of annexation and normalization of relations, particularly with Saudi Arabia. Bishara suggests that while they agree on the endgame, they differ on the methods, timing, and priorities. He underscores the critical role Saudi Arabia plays in shaping the future of US-Israel relations, especially regarding the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Bishara also points out that Saudi Arabia's investments and influence in the Arab world make it a key player in the region's geopolitics.

senior political analyst Marwan Bishara highlights how framing ethnic cleansing as humanitarian assistance to Palestinians is a profound insult. He emphasizes that the United States has empowered and enabled Israel’s actions through military, financial, and diplomatic support, and now seeks to justify the removal of Palestinians under the guise of aid. Bishara argues that this narrative is widely recognized as untrue, as the long-standing plan has always been to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people. He suggests that the key question moving forward is whether the Trump administration is fully committed to this strategy or merely testing the waters to gauge reactions before proceeding, noting that six major Arab nations have already firmly rejected the proposal.