Global condemnation swiftly followed President Donald Trump’s Tuesday announcement of a U.S. plan to transform the Gaza Strip into a “Middle Eastern Riviera,” involving the relocation of millions of Palestinians. The proposal, unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, included a refusal to rule out U.S. military intervention and a declaration that Washington “will take over the Gaza Strip.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to alleviate concerns Wednesday, stating the president hadn’t committed to deploying troops or funding the reconstruction.

However, this reassurance followed immediate pushback from leaders across the globe.

Saudi Arabia, despite Trump’s efforts to foster closer ties with Israel, rejected the plan, reiterating its commitment to a two-state solution as a prerequisite for diplomatic relations with Israel. The Saudi foreign ministry statement unequivocally rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians.

The UAE, a signatory to the Abraham Accords under the previous Trump administration, issued a strong rejection of violating Palestinian rights and called for an end to settlement activities that threaten regional stability.

The ministry emphasized the need to avoid actions escalating conflict, focusing instead on ending extremism, protecting civilians, and delivering humanitarian aid.

Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri declared that Gazans would resist the plan, emphasizing the need to end Israeli occupation rather than expel Palestinians.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas similarly asserted that Palestinians would not relinquish their land or rights, considering Gaza an integral part of a future Palestinian state alongside the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

An Iranian official confirmed Iran’s opposition to any Palestinian displacement, communicated through various channels.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, diverging from his previous cautious approach, declared that Palestinians must be allowed to return home, rebuild, and pursue a two-state solution.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock affirmed Gaza’s status as Palestinian territory under international law, stating that displacement would violate international law and generate further suffering and hatred.

The Kremlin reiterated Russia’s support for a two-state solution, aligning with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the stance of a majority of involved countries.

France’s foreign ministry warned of destabilizing consequences, opposing forced displacement as a violation of international law and advocating for a future Palestinian state under the Palestinian Authority.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman emphasized the principle of Palestinian self-governance in Gaza, opposing forced displacement and calling for a political settlement based on the two-state solution.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan deemed Trump’s proposal unacceptable, arguing that excluding Palestinians would lead to further conflict. While Turkish President Erdoğan’s public response was pending, his past strong stance against Israel suggests potential geopolitical friction.

Australia, a key ally of Israel, reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva dismissed Trump’s comments as “bravado,” questioning the practicality and morality of displacing Palestinians and advocating for a two-state solution.

Reuters contributed to this report.