Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has ordered the military to prepare for the "voluntary" departure of Palestinians from Gaza, a move that follows US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to relocate Gazans.

President Donald Trump’s plan to seek U.S. ownership of the Gaza Strip and move out its population has found a sympathetic ear in Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Israel would turn the Gaza Strip over to the United States after the fighting ends and that no U.S. soldiers would be needed there. "The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting.

Russia's Foreign Ministry, asked about U.S. President Donald Trump's recent comments about a takeover plan for the Gaza Strip, said it regarded any populist comments as counter-productive and and as further ramping up tensions.

U.S. Arab American and Muslim leaders, including some who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 election, criticized the president's proposal for the U.S. to take over Gaza and resettle Palestinians, but some of them said they still believed he was the best option for lasting peace in the region.