Israel’s defense minister says he has instructed the army to prepare plans for large numbers of Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip in line with President Donald Trump’s proposal for the war-ravaged territory.

Palestinians, who were displaced to the south at Israel's order during the war, make their way back to their homes in northern Gaza, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, near Gaza City, January 27,

Top Trump administration officials attempted today to soften crucial elements of President Trump’s proposal that the U.S. should take over Gaza and drive out the Palestinian population there. The plan, which the president laid out last night, was sharply criticized by allies and adversaries alike.

U.S. President Donald Trump has offered for the United States to be responsible for the reconstruction of Gaza, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday, after the president proposed a U.S. takeover of the enclave.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Israel would turn the Gaza Strip over to the United States after the fighting ends and that no U.S. soldiers would be needed there. "The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel at the conclusion of fighting.