The US President's suggestion sparked enormous debate globally. Photo: AFP / Bryan Dozier
The Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ) says Donald Trump's talk about the US owning and redeveloping Gaza is not a proposal but a threat.
The New Zealand government needed to speak up against it, it said.
The US President's suggestion sparked enormous debate globally about whether he was serious and what it might mean, including the displacement or resettlement of two million Palestinians.
"It's not a suggestion obviously, it is actually a threat," said FIANZ spokesperson Abdur Razzaq.
"This is history repeating itself," in reference to the displacement of Jews in Europe after World War Two, he said.
"We are surprised our government hasn't yet spoken out."
FIANZ spokesperson Abdur Razzaq Photo: Supplied
However, Foreign Minister Winston Peter said New Zealand would not comment until officials found out more.
"What has been said, I believe, was that for Gaza to be rebuilt there are certain things that need to happen, and at this point in time Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio is still explaining to us what that means."
Peters told RNZ New Zealand continued to support a two-state solution.
"It is how you reconstruct Gaza," he added.
"And if you look at it from that point of view, looking at the horrific damage there, then there might might have to be plans that we practically have to agree with, because it is very difficult to reconstruct when people are in the same situation and needing to be looked after.
"All I'm saying is that we don't know at this point in time exactly what the proposition is, and until we do we will not [be] making a response."
Peters told RNZ that New Zealand continued to support a two-state solution. Photo: Samuel Rillstone
Razzaq rejected that.
"What more do they want, what more do the officials have to wait for?
"You know, this silence speaks volumes," he said.
Israel has supported Trump's idea and said Gazans could leave, and then come back, and said it was preparing now for large numbers to leave the territory.
Many Gazans have been reported vowing not to leave.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
