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.

The president refused to back down from his proposal for the U.S. to oversee the war-ravaged coastal enclave — and send the Palestinians who live there somewhere else.

Israel says it is preparing for the departure of large numbers of Palestinians from Gaza in line with President Trump’s idea for the territory.