Tel Aviv: Despite international backlash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised US President Donald Trump's plan to take over Gaza, calling it a "remarkable" and "first good idea." Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu expressed his support for Trump's proposal, which suggests allowing Gazans who wish to leave to do so, with an eventual return after the region is rebuilt.

According to Anadolu Agency, the plan, which has been criticized for potentially forcing Palestinians to leave Gaza, involves resettling them while the US takes ownership of Gaza, with plans to develop it into something "magnificent." Trump emphasized that Palestinians "have no alternative" but to leave the devastated territory, which has suffered extensive damage and casualties from a 15-month-long Israeli offensive.

Netanyahu voiced optimism about the plan's potential to "create a different future for everyone," though he did not provide a timeline for Gaza's rebuilding or the return of its residents. He also clarified that Trump did not suggest that the US would finance the reconstruction, but rather that "neighboring states, wealthy states will do it," without specifying which states might contribute.

On the topic of US military involvement, Netanyahu assured that Trump was not suggesting deploying US troops to fight Hamas in Gaza, asserting that this responsibility falls to Israel. Trump previously mentioned that regional Arab nations like Egypt and Jordan should accommodate Palestinians, a notion rejected by the Arab states and Palestinian leaders.

The proposal has faced widespread condemnation from countries in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, including China, Trkiye, Palestine, and Saudi Arabia, with some critics accusing it of amounting to ethnic cleansing. The controversial plan was introduced following a ceasefire agreement in Gaza on Jan. 19, which halted Israel's offensive that had resulted in significant casualties and destruction of infrastructure.