Israel said on Thursday it has begun preparations for the departure of large numbers of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip in line with President Donald Trump's plan for the territory. Officials meanwhile said Egypt has launched an diplomatic blitz behind the scenes to try and head off the plan.

Donald Trump is proposing to resettle Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, with the U.S. taking control of the area. Although the plan has been widely rejected, it could affect the postwar order – and threaten the already fragile ceasefire.

Trump floated the idea on Saturday, saying he would urge the leaders of the two Arab countries to take in Gaza’s now largely homeless population, so that “we just clean out that whole thing.”