Saudi Arabia, an important American ally, weighed in quickly on Trump’s expanded idea to take over the Gaza Strip in a sharply worded statement, noting that its long call for an independent Palestinian state was a “firm, steadfast and unwavering position.”

The people of Gaza are not pawns in a political game − they are human beings with a right to live in dignity, safety, and peace in their homeland.

The world was still reeling Wednesday from President Donald Trump's stunning proposal that the U.S. "take over" war-torn Gaza, clear the rubble and economically develop the area -- after the nearly 2 million Palestinians who live there were removed to other countries.