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.

Some - perhaps many - Palestinians in Gaza might be tempted to get out if they had the chance. But even if a million left, close to 1.5m others would still be there. Presumably the United States - the new owners of Trump's "Riviera of the Middle East,

Mad” is how one Middle East source reacted to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “takeover” of Gaza. So why would someone well versed in Trumpian tactics and the nuance of Middle East diplomacy give such an undiplomatic assessment?