HAMILTON, Canada

A leading Arab-American group that backed US President Donald Trump rebranded itself Wednesday as "Arab Americans for Peace" after he said the US would “take over” the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the group—formerly known as "Arab Americans for Trump"—affirmed its commitment to Middle East peace and said: "We do, however, take issue with the president's suggestion of taking over Gaza and removing its Palestinian inhabitants to other parts of the Arab world."

Criticizing Trump for not engaging directly with key Arab leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in discussions about a long-term peace process, the statement said: "We are adamantly opposed to the notion of transferring Palestinians outside of historic Palestine for ANY reason."

The group welcomed Trump's pledge to help rebuild Gaza, but stressed, "however, the purpose should be to make Gaza habitable for Palestinians and no one else."

"The Palestine that we envision is one that would be on lands occupied by Israel in 1967 - the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as its capital," it said, adding that it supports a two-state solution.

Trump’s proposal came after a ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, suspending Israel’s genocidal war, which has killed more than 47,500 Palestinians and left the enclave in ruins.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.