Israeli Minister: Trump's plan to deport Gazans' is taking shape '

Israel's far-right Finance Minister, Smuttrich, said Sunday that Trump's plan to evacuate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip is "taking shape."

"The plan is taking shape and we are coordinating with the US administration," Smotrich said at an event in the Knesset, AFP reported. He also said a governing body to oversee displacement was being prepared.

"This has the potential to be a historic change for the Middle East and for Israel," Smotrich said.

He noted that Trump's proposed plan would require finding countries willing to take in at least some Gazans.

"That includes identifying countries, understanding their interests, whether with the United States or with us, and facilitating cooperation."

Smotrich said implementing the plan would be a massive logistical operation. Some Israeli leaders welcomed the move, but Palestinians, Arab governments and some world leaders condemned it.

"If we deport 10,000 people a day, seven days a week, it will take six months."

"If we deport 5,000 people a day, it will take a year. That's assuming, of course, that we have countries willing to take them, but it's a very, very long process."

Experts say the forced expulsion of Gazans is a violation of international law.

Trump has previously suggested that the United States take over Gaza and turn it into a "Riviera of the Middle East," while forcing Palestinian residents to relocate to neighboring Egypt and Jordan.

Last week, Arab states put forward a proposal to oppose Trump's plan, which was backed by several Islamic countries and European governments. The Arab proposal aims to rebuild Gaza without displacing Gazans.

Smotrich said he was pushing Trump's plan, calling it an opportunity to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, until today, we have procrastinated for 76 years. Under the current U.S. administration, we can do more."