The ideal of remaining on one’s land despite threats of expulsion is at the heart of the Palestinians’ struggle and self-identity, and was on vivid display last week when hundreds of thousands returned to northern Gaza despite its near-total destruction.

The plan, as expressed by Donald Trump, is not going to happen. It requires the co-operation of Arab states that have rejected it. They include Jordan and Egypt, countries that Trump wants to take in Gaza's Palestinians - and Saudi Arabia, which might be expected to foot the bill. Western allies of the US and Israel are also against the idea.

President Donald Trump said he wants the United States to take long-term ownership of the Gaza strip, saying the war-torn territory could become "the riviera of the Middle East".