Gazans Reject Trump's Plan: 'We Would Rather Die Here Than Leave'

Palestinians in Gaza have expressed outrage and disbelief over Donald Trump's plan for the US to take control of the territory. Many Gazans are sheltering in ruins or makeshift camps after 15 months of Israeli attacks.

Abu Firas, 52, lives in a tent on the coast. His home in eastern Khan Younis was destroyed, and he lost 80 relatives. He wants help rebuilding, not a ticket out.

"We would rather die here than leave this land," he said. "No amount of money can replace your homeland."

Trump suggested Palestinians were eager to leave Gaza, describing it as "unlucky" and a "symbol of death and destruction." However, residents are proud of their history, spirit, and commitment to education.

Many Gazans returned to their homes in the north after Israel lifted movement controls. Despite finding rubble, they wept with joy.

Ramz, a 50-year-old father of four, said: "No matter where you move, you'll never find peace except in your own city and land."

In Gaza, affection for the land is reinforced by a political commitment to staying. Trump's proposal for a largely empty Gaza is not new, but it has never been made by a US president before.

Walid al-Munayya, displaced six times, said: "We have a saying: 'He who leaves his home loses his dignity.' We're resilient, and this won't happen."

Many Gazans are refugees from the 1948 Nakba. This history makes them skeptical of displacement.

During the war, many feared Israel's orders to leave the north were a prelude to settling or annexing the land. Some stayed on, determined to remain on their land.

There is skepticism about a US request for Palestinians to leave before rebuilding. Trump claimed some Palestinians might return to the new "international" Gaza.

The survival of Hamas as a fighting force despite Israeli military tactics should serve as a warning to Trump, Firas said.

"[Israel] bombed Gaza with all kinds of bombs. Despite this, they couldn't control Gaza. So how can they force us to leave?"

Munayya called on Trump to relaunch a proposal for separate Israeli and Palestinian states.

"Each should live in peace and separately. Israelis should have their land, and Palestinians should have their land."