Hamas Rejects Trump’s Gaza Relocation Plan as Racist “`

A Hamas leader has denounced a US presidential proposal concerning Gaza’s future, asserting it violates Palestinian rights.

Hamas has rejected US President Donald Trump’s plan to assume control of Gaza and relocate its Palestinian residents.

In a Wednesday statement, Hamas Politburo member Izzat al-Risheq condemned the proposal as a “racist” and “blatant attempt to eradicate the Palestinian cause.”

During a Tuesday press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump suggested US control of Gaza, describing it as a “demolition site” requiring redevelopment into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” His vision included infrastructure rebuilding, job creation, and housing development, alongside the previously stated goal of permanent Palestinian resettlement outside the enclave.

Al-Risheq argued that Trump’s plan would infringe upon established Palestinian national rights, stating that Gazans, having withstood over fifteen months of conflict, are firmly rooted in their land and reject displacement.

Another senior Hamas leader, Sami Abu Zuhri, called Trump’s suggestions “a recipe for creating chaos and tension” regionally, asserting that Gazans will oppose these plans. He emphasized the need to end Israeli occupation and aggression, not to expel Palestinians.

Trump’s remarks provoked widespread international criticism. Türkiye and Egypt swiftly rejected any Palestinian relocation efforts, issuing a joint statement condemning such actions and warning against escalating the conflict.

Saudi Arabia, a key US ally, also firmly rejected the proposal, calling Palestinian relocation an infringement on their legitimate rights. Their statement emphasized that diplomatic relations with Israel, a long-term US goal, would not be established without an independent Palestinian state.

Australia and New Zealand reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution, declining further comment on future Gaza proposals.

Riyad Mansour, head of the Palestinian delegation to the US, proposed that Palestinians should either be allowed to return to their homes in Israel or rebuild Gaza themselves, rather than be relocated.

“For those who want to send Gazans to a happy ‘nice place,’ let them go back, you know, to their original homes inside Israel. There are nice places there, and they will be happy to return,” he stated.