Saudi Arabia, an important American ally, weighed in quickly on Trump’s expanded idea to take over the Gaza Strip in a sharply worded statement, noting that its long call for an independent Palestinian state was a “firm, steadfast and unwavering position.”

The people of Gaza are not pawns in a political game − they are human beings with a right to live in dignity, safety, and peace in their homeland.

But while some Palestinians rejected leaving Gaza, others said conditions were so unlivable after 15 months of Israeli bombardment that they would consider relocating.