Over 60% US voters reject Trump's plan for 'ownership' of Gaza: survey

US President Donald Trump has floated numerous outlandish ideas during his presidency, but his plan for the US to "own" and "take over" Gaza has been strongly rejected by American voters, with over 60% opposing the idea.

A survey conducted by the American think tank Data for Progress interviewed voters froms everal political groups, including Democrats, Independents, and Republicans.

On February 4, the US President suggested solving the geopolitical crisis by transforming Gaza from a “demolition site” into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” 

Meanwhile, the proposal was criticised as an indication toward the ethnic cleansing of the enclave’s entire population. However, the latest survey data showed US voters overwhelmingly rejected the idea. 

Read: Trump reiterates plan to ‘buy and own’ Gaza

Respondents were asked whether they supported the US taking ownership of the Panama Canal, Greenland, Canada, and Gaza as these are the territories Trump has expressed interest in acquiring.

In response, the US voters rejected the idea of ownership of the said territory, with strong opposition to the idea of Gaza’s ownership. 

A significant portion of the poll strongly oppposed Trump's plans, with 47% strongly rejecting, it and 17% saying they “somewhat” oppose it.

At least 64% of voters, including an 85% majority of democrats and 63% independent voters opposed the proposal for Gaza, as they saw Trump’s plan would require forcibly displacing approximately 1.8 million Palestinians, who live in Gaza.   

Read: “Civilisation has been wiped out in Gaza:” Trump insists on transfer of Palestinians

Among staunch Republican voters, opinions were more divided, with 46% supporting the proposal and 43% opposing it.

The poll, which surveyed the opinion of 1,200 respondents across the US found that “a strong majority of voters are against the US assuming control over Gaza and displacing its Palestinian population," Data for Progress stated in its findings.