Hamas to Donald Trump: Let's talk

Following President Trump's meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu yesterday (Tuesday) and his support for the relocation of the Gazan population and even the "ownership" of the Gaza Strip by the United States, Hamas is signaling a willingness to talk with administration.

Hamas senior leader Mousa Abu Marzouk said that the terrorist group is willing to talk with the Trump administration.

This statement comes following at least five statements by Hamas condemning Trump's plan to relocate the 2.4 million Gazans from the war-torn Strip to other countries, including possibly Egypt and Jordan.

In the most recent statement, Hamas said that "We strongly condemn Trump's statements about occupying Gaza and displacing our Palestinian people. These are hostile statements that will harm stability and add fuel to the fire. We will not allow the occupation of our land or the imposition of guardianship over our people. We call on the American administration and Trump to walk back these irresponsible statements that contradict international law."

Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have all rejected the idea of relocating the entire Gazan population, temporarily or permanently, and Arab foreign ministers are reportedly working on a plan to present to President Trump that would allow them all to stay while Gaza is rebuilt.

Ideas in this vein will likely be presented by Jordanian King Abdullah II and Egyptian leader Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, who are both set to meet with President Trump later this month.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, meanwhile, has openly expressed support for the relocation idea, and seeks to enlist the backing of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the rest of the government to make it a reality.

Former National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said that he is increasingly likely to return to the government following the Trump endorsement of relocation for Gazans, after he left the government over approving the hostage deal.