Saudi Arabia, an important American ally, weighed in quickly on Trump’s expanded idea to take over the Gaza Strip in a sharply worded statement, noting that its long call for an independent Palestinian state was a “firm, steadfast and unwavering position.”

President Donald Trump's top aides staunchly defended his push to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza and have the U.S. take over the war-ruined enclave, but they also backed away from elements of his proposal in the face of international condemnation.

President Trump's proposal to take over and rebuild the Gaza Strip drew a strong backlash from Democrats and Middle East countries. Trump administration officials and some Republicans praised the idea as a temporary solution for Palestinians.

Aides to President Donald Trump sought to tone down his idea of depopulating and taking over Gaza after his suggestion that the US would “own” the war-ravaged territory was welcomed in Israel but widely condemned elsewhere.