Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that Palestinians who leave Gaza under his proposed ownership plan will not have the right to return to the territory. This announcement comes amid global criticism of his controversial plan, which aims to resettle Palestinians outside of Gaza.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Trump made these remarks during an interview with Fox News, where he discussed his vision for Gaza. When asked by Fox News’ Bret Baier if Palestinians would have the right to return, Trump responded, “No, they wouldn’t,” asserting that the displaced individuals would be provided with “much better housing” elsewhere.

Trump elaborated on his plan, stating his intention to build “a permanent place” for the Palestinians. He argued that the current conditions in Gaza are “not habitable” and suggested that it would take years before any return could be feasible. Describing the initiative as a “real estate development for future,” Trump claimed he would construct “beautiful communities” for the 1.9 million residents and expressed his intention to own the property.

The ownership plan was initially unveiled last week during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. The proposal has faced outright rejection from Palestinians, who have vowed not to abandon their land.

The international community, including numerous countries in West Asia, has also condemned the plan, with some labeling it as a form of ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.