US President Donald Trump has said that Palestinians would have no right of return to Gaza under his plan for the US to take over the territory.
"No, they wouldn't, because they're going to have much better housing," Mr Trump told Fox News when asked if Palestinians would have the right to return.
"In other words, I'm talking about building a permanent place for them," the president said.
Earlier, he said that he is "committed to buying and owning Gaza", but could allow sections of the territory to be rebuilt by other states in the Middle East.
"I'm committed to buying and owning Gaza. As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it, other people may do it, through our auspices.
"But we're committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn't move back.
"There’s nothing to move back into. The place is a demolition site. The remainder will be demolished. Everything’s demolished," he added.
President Trump also said he was open to the possibility of allowing some Palestinian refugees into the US but would consider such requests on a case-by-case basis.
He made his remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to New Orleans to attend the National Football League Super Bowl championship.
Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, condemned the comments.
"Gaza is not a property to be sold and bought. It is an integral part of our occupied Palestinian land" and Palestinians will foil displacement plans, Mr Rashq added.
Mr Trump has spoken of permanently displacing Palestinians who live in Gaza and creating a "Riviera of the Middle East".
Over the weekend, the Israeli Prime Minister praised the proposal as "revolutionary".
Benjamin Netanyahu made the comment to his cabinet following his return to Israel from Washington.
He said the two allies agreed on "ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel … President Trump came with a completely different, much better vision for Israel, a revolutionary, creative approach".
Mr Netanyahu added that the US leader is "very determined to implement it" and the visit to Washington had secured "tremendous achievements".
