Unpacking Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ Plan

At a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump outlined an unprecedented plan to relocate Palestinians and remake Gaza, drawing widespread condemnation

By Steven Ganot / The Media Line

US President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip, a move that has drawn condemnation from world leaders and raised concerns about Middle East stability. Speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump outlined his vision for Gaza’s future, suggesting the complete removal of its Palestinian population and its redevelopment into an international hub. His remarks come as Israel and Hamas prepare for the next phase of ceasefire negotiations, which could determine the fate of hostages still held in Gaza.

Trump’s Proposal: A Dramatic Shift in US Policy

The president’s statements mark a stark departure from traditional US policy, which has long supported a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. His plan envisions the relocation of Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents to other countries and the transformation of the coastal enclave into what he described as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

“The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too. We’ll own it,” the American president declared. He further elaborated that the US would be responsible for clearing the war-ravaged territory of unexploded ordnance, demolishing its damaged infrastructure, and developing new housing and economic opportunities for future inhabitants.

The US president, a onetime real estate developer, has suggested turning Gaza’s coastline into a luxury tourist destination. Critics, however, warn that any forced displacement of Palestinians would violate international principles and reignite tensions in a region already scarred by conflict. Saudi Arabia, a key regional player and US ally, immediately rejected any plan that involves uprooting Palestinians, insisting that a sovereign Palestinian state is a prerequisite for normalization with Israel.

His comments were met with visible approval from Netanyahu, who called President Trump’s ideas “worth paying attention to.” The Israeli prime minister, under pressure from his far-right coalition partners to continue military operations in Gaza, praised the president as Israel’s “greatest friend” in the White House.

US Troops in Gaza? Trump Does Not Rule It Out

While President Trump did not explicitly commit to deploying American forces, he did not dismiss the possibility either. When asked whether US troops would be sent to secure the territory, he responded, “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that.”

The remarks raised concerns among US lawmakers, including some within the president’s own party. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham reacted cautiously, saying, “I think most South Carolinians would probably not be excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza. It might be problematic.”

International Condemnation and Regional Tensions

The proposal was swiftly and widely rejected by key regional and global players. Palestinian leaders called the American president’s comments a “serious violation of international law.” Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement saying that “legitimate Palestinian rights are not negotiable” and that Gaza “is an integral part of the State of Palestine.”

Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza before the recent conflict with Israel, also condemned the plan, calling it a “recipe for creating chaos and tension in the region.” The group urged the Arab League and the United Nations to hold urgent meetings to counter what it described as “dangerous remarks.”

In a rare unified stance, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey all rejected the US president’s vision. Saudi Arabia reiterated its “absolute rejection” of any efforts to displace Palestinians and reaffirmed its commitment to a two-state solution. Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, emphasized that Palestinians “will not leave their homeland.” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian denounced the proposal, emphasizing that “Palestinians governing Palestine” is central to any resolution. Turkey’s foreign minister also dismissed the plan as “unacceptable.”

Gaza as a Real Estate Project? Critics Weigh In

President Trump’s vision for Gaza drew sharp criticism for its real estate-focused approach. Former US Ambassador to Israel Dennis Ross said, “Trump is looking at this as a real estate building problem, not a political problem.”

The Trump administration’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer, echoed the president’s sentiment, arguing that “a better life is not necessarily tied to the physical space that you are in today.” Witkoff suggested that Palestinians could enjoy improved economic opportunities elsewhere, reinforcing the American president’s belief that Gaza should be rebuilt without its current residents.

This perspective has alarmed many who view the Palestinian issue as fundamentally political, not a matter of urban development. Critics argue that forcibly removing a population and replacing it with an “international” community raises legal, ethical, and humanitarian concerns.

Impact on Hostage Negotiations and Ceasefire Talks

The US president’s comments come at a delicate moment, as Israel and Hamas prepare for negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire deal. The talks are expected to focus on the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza in exchange for Israel permanently halting military operations. His remarks, however, have introduced a new layer of uncertainty into the process.

His insistence on removing Palestinians from Gaza may embolden Hamas to resist negotiations, as the group seeks to use hostages as leverage to ensure its survival. Egypt and Qatar, key mediators in the ceasefire discussions, have voiced concerns that the president’s statements could derail the fragile diplomatic efforts.

A Test for Trump’s Foreign Policy

President Trump’s proposal also raises questions about his broader Middle East strategy. On the same day as his press conference with Netanyahu, the US president signed an executive order imposing “maximum pressure” on Iran, a move he admitted he was “unhappy” about signing. While he has expressed a willingness to negotiate with Tehran, his tougher stance on Gaza may further complicate regional diplomacy.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia reiterated its long-standing position that normalization with Israel is contingent on the establishment of a Palestinian state. The American president’s plan to erase Gaza as a Palestinian entity is likely to make such a diplomatic breakthrough even more elusive.

Uncertain Future

The president’s remarks have ignited a global debate over the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people. While his supporters hail his unconventional thinking as “bold action,” his critics see it as reckless and destabilizing.

The coming weeks will reveal whether President Trump’s proposal gains any traction or whether it remains an unrealistic vision detached from the political realities of the Middle East. With international condemnation mounting and regional tensions on the rise, the fallout from his Gaza plan is only beginning to unfold.

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