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.

U.S. president faces outrage from Arab countries and key European capitals over his “dangerous” proposal that Palestinians should be removed from the coastal enclave.

US President Donald Trump sent shockwaves around the Middle East when he said that the US could take control of the Gaza Strip. Analysts say the idea is more of a distraction from broader regional peace efforts.