On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump suggested the permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza and proposed converting the area into a new development zone, dubbing it 'the Riviera of the Middle East.' This initiative, which has faced significant backlash, marks a notable shift from US backing of a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Critics contend that this notion could result in 'ethnic cleansing' and intensify regional tensions.

The White House quickly clarified Trump's comments, asserting that the US would neither fund the reconstruction of Gaza nor commit to deploying troops there.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump's intentions, describing the proposal as a 'generous' effort to aid in rebuilding Gaza.

This situation raises crucial questions about US foreign policy, particularly as ceasefire discussions continue between Israel and Hamas following the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.

Trump’s position, which includes the recommendation to 'clean out' Gaza, has stirred worries about the possible repercussions for future peace negotiations and the overall stability of the region.

The proposal is perceived as a deviation from the US's long-standing support for a Palestinian state and could have significant consequences for diplomacy in the Middle East.