‘We won’t go out of Gaza’: Palestinians defiant over Trump plan

Many Israelis and Palestinians are concerned about what the latest announcements could mean for the current talks on extending the Gaza ceasefire.

The next stage of the deal is meant to see the return of some 60 remaining Israeli hostages – not all of whom are alive – and a more permanent end to the fighting.

However, the brother of one Israeli hostage held by Hamas told us: “I don’t take what Trump says too seriously. It’s not realistic. He’s shooting for the stars.”

He added that this was “like with Canada” – referring to the US leader’s suggestions that it should become his country’s “51st state”.

Some Gazans did acknowledge that they felt one aspect of President Trump’s declaration was based on reality – his comments that the small coastal strip has become “unliveable”.

Last month, a UN damage assessment showed that clearing over 50m tonnes of rubble left in Gaza as a result of the heavy Israeli bombardment could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2bn.

Bilal al-Rantisi, a former customs worker, is in shock after arriving back in Gaza City with his wife and four children having spent more than a year displaced in the south.

“We have returned to a catastrophe, the worst in history,” he said despondently. “I found neither my home nor my siblings’ homes were standing. Trump doesn’t speak in vain. He knows that Gaza is no longer a place fit for human habitation.”

He said he was hoping to sell his car and his wife’s gold jewellery to raise funds.

“I will leave Gaza at the earliest possible opportunity. Yes, all Gazans oppose displacement but putting emotions aside, if people were given the chance, many would choose to leave.”