• President Donald Trump announced a plan to take control of Gaza, aiming to rebuild the war-torn region and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
• The proposal includes the permanent resettlement of Palestinians to neighboring countries, despite objections from Palestinian leaders and regional stakeholders.
• The plan has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinians and international observers, who warn of further destabilization in the region.

Covering up Israel’s genocide in Gaza

In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to “take over” the Gaza Strip during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on February 4, 2025. The announcement comes amidst a fragile six-week ceasefire in Gaza, following 15 months of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Trump’s proposal involves the US assuming a “long-term ownership position” in Gaza, with the aim of rebuilding the region and creating economic opportunities. “The US will take over the Gaza Strip,” Trump declared, promising to “level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings.” He emphasized the potential for “great stability” in the Middle East, suggesting that the development could attract “representatives from all over the world” to live and work in Gaza.

The plan, however, raises critical questions about the future of the Palestinian people. When asked about the possibility of Palestinians returning to Gaza, Trump responded, “I envision… the world’s people living there… Palestinians also.” He went on to describe Gaza as a “demolition site” and suggested that Palestinians should be permanently resettled in a “beautiful” location elsewhere.

A new “Riviera” or a new displacement of Palestinians?

Trump’s vision for Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East” has been met with skepticism and outright rejection by Palestinians and regional leaders. The proposal comes at a time when approximately 92% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged, and nearly 1.9 million people – more than 90% of Gaza’s population – have been displaced, according to the United Nations.

The idea of resettling Palestinians in neighboring countries has also drawn sharp criticism. Egypt, Jordan, and other regional powers have previously rejected “direct expulsion or coerced migration,” warning that such actions would “threaten the region’s stability, risk expanding the conflict, and undermine prospects for peace and coexistence among its peoples,” as stated in a joint statement by Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League.

Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour firmly rejected Trump’s proposal, stating, “Palestinians want to rebuild Gaza because this is where we belong.” He emphasized the right of Palestinians to return to their original homes in what is now Israel, rather than being forcibly relocated.

Hamas officials have been equally critical, calling Trump’s plan “a recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region.” Sami Abu Zuhri, a Hamas official, vowed to resist any displacement efforts, stating, “Our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass. What is required is an end to the occupation and aggression against our people, not their expulsion from their land.”

The current conflict in Gaza is rooted in a long history of territorial disputes and political tensions. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been a focal point of Middle Eastern geopolitics for decades, with numerous peace initiatives and ceasefires failing to bring about a lasting solution. The recent conflict, which began in October 2023, has been particularly devastating, with widespread destruction and loss of life.

The US has historically been a key player in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but Trump’s proposal marks a significant shift in approach. The idea of the US taking control of Gaza and resettling Palestinians is unprecedented and has the potential to further inflame regional tensions. This land grab and coverup for Israel’s genocide will not be easily forgiven, no matter what kind of “paradise” Trump promises to bring to the region.

Sources include:

RT.com

RT.com

X.com