The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about buying and owning the Gaza Strip, asserting that the coastal territory is an inseparable part of Palestine.

In a statement early on Monday, Hamas Political Bureau member Izzat al-Rishq criticized Trump’s comments as reflecting a “deep ignorance” of Palestine and the region. “Gaza is not a piece of real estate to be bought and sold; it is an inseparable part of our occupied Palestinian land,” he said.

Al-Rishq further warned that treating the Palestinian cause with a real estate dealer’s mentality is a “recipe for failure,” emphasizing that the Palestinian people will thwart all plans of displacement and forced expulsion. “Gaza belongs to its people, and they will not leave it—except to return to their towns and villages occupied in 1948,” he added, referencing the Israeli-occupied land.

On Sunday, Trump reiterated his commitment to buying and owning Gaza, but suggested that sections of the besieged strip could be rebuilt by other states in West Asia. “I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza. As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in [West Asia] 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,” Trump stated. He described Gaza as a "demolition site" with "nothing to move back into."

Since assuming office on January 20, Trump has floated the idea of the U.S. taking over Gaza, prompting a wave of condemnations from West Asia and other parts of the world. His assertions have been met with widespread criticism for their disregard of Palestinian sovereignty. (ILKHA)