Palestinians won’t have right to return after Gaza takeover, says Trump

US President Donald Trump says Palestinians displaced from Gaza to neighbouring countries would not have the right to return to the enclave.

Trump spoke in an interview with Fox News, which aired on Monday.

Last week, Trump said he envisioned the United States having a “long-term ownership position” over Gaza.

“And we will do a job with it, too,” he added.

The US president Trump claimed that everyone he had spoken to “loves the idea of the United States owning the territory”.

His remarks sparked reactions from world leaders and international organisations. The United Nations (UN) condemned the proposal, calling it “nothing short of ethnic cleansing” and warning against any such move.

Despite the backlash, Trump doubled down on his stance in the latest interview.

“Think of it as a real estate development for the future. It would be a beautiful piece of land,” he said, referring to the proposal he first floated during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.

Trump said Palestinians displaced from Gaza would be resettled in neighbouring countries under his plan.

“No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing,” he replied when asked if they would be able to return.

“I’m talking about building a permanent place for them.”

Palestinian authorities and Hamas have rejected the proposal, insisting that Palestinian land is “not for sale”.

However, Netanyahu praised Trump’s proposal as “revolutionary and creative”.

Trump’s comments come as Israel and Hamas navigate a fragile ceasefire, now in its third week. During this period, hostage exchanges have taken place between the two sides.