In interviews, some Palestinians said they would rather leave Gaza, given the inescapable devastation — but the decision was theirs, not Trump’s, to make.

Mad” is how one Middle East source reacted to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “takeover” of Gaza. So why would someone well versed in Trumpian tactics and the nuance of Middle East diplomacy give such an undiplomatic assessment?

The ideal of remaining on one’s land despite threats of expulsion is at the heart of the Palestinians’ struggle and self-identity, and was on vivid display last week when hundreds of thousands returned to northern Gaza despite its near-total destruction.

The UN chief warned Wednesday against ethnic cleansing in Gaza as he rejected US President Donald Trump's bombshell proposal for the United States to take control of the Palestinian territory and displace all its people.

Provocative comments this week from President Trump about the US taking ownership of the future of the Gaza Strip were met with horror and concern by people in the Boston area with Mideast connections, with many saying the idea is outlandish, threatens a fragile ceasefire and would undermine Palestinian self-determination.

World leaders rejected President Trump’s proposal to “take over” Gaza, permanently move Palestinians and turn the enclave into a “Riviera” of the Middle East.