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.

In interviews, some Palestinians said they would rather leave Gaza, given the inescapable devastation — but the decision was theirs, not Trump’s, to make.

Middle East leaders and key U.S. partners around the world quickly opposed President Trump’s proposal to force Palestinians out of Gaza and take it over. Amid the global alarm, top administration officials sought yesterday to soften elements of Trump’s plan.