Hamas says Trump's remarks are 'declaration of intent to occupy' Gaza

Hamas on Thursday denounced U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza, calling it a “declaration of intent to occupy” the Palestinian territory.

Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem rejected the plan, which includes resettling two million Palestinians elsewhere in the Middle East. He urged an urgent Arab summit to confront what he described as an attempt to forcibly displace Gazans.

“Gaza is for its people, and they will not leave,” Qassem said in a statement. “We do not need any country to run the Gaza Strip, and we do not accept replacing one occupation with another.”

Trump first introduced the proposal Tuesday, suggesting that the U.S. could assume control of Gaza once the conflict ends.

He doubled down on the idea Thursday, writing on Truth Social that “the Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting.”

He insisted no U.S. troops would be needed and that the move would bring stability to the region.

Hamas has called on Arab nations and international organizations to take strong action against Trump’s proposal. Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders and regional officials have also expressed outrage, warning that any forced displacement would violate international law.