Middle East latest: Israel starts planning for Palestinians to leave Gaza

Israel says it has begun preparations for the departure of Palestinians from Gaza despite widespread international rejection of President Donald Trump’s plan to empty the war-devastated territory of its population. There were no immediate signs of such preparations on the ground Thursday.

Egypt has launched a behind-the-scenes diplomatic blitz against the proposal, warning it would put its peace deal with Israel at risk, officials said. The Palestinians have vehemently rejected Trump’s proposal, fearing Israel would never allow refugees to return.

The Trump administration has already dialed back aspects of the proposal, saying the relocation of Palestinians would be temporary. U.S. officials have provided few details about how or when the plan would be carried out.