Trump wants to make Gaza a “Middle Eastern Riviera,” the world reacts

It was alongside a stunned Benjamin Netanyahu that Donald Trump declared the United States’ intention to “take control” of the Gaza Strip in order to “do a good job” and “become owners.” He also expressed his ambition to transform Gaza into a luxury tourist destination, a true “Riviera of the Middle East.”

His remarks have been widely condemned by the international community.

Back at the White House, Donald Trump has revived his “peace” plans for the Middle East, reiterating the main points of his “Deal of the Century” unveiled in 2020.

At the time, he promised an investment of 50 billion dollars to strengthen the «power» of the Palestinian people and enable them to realize their «vast potential».

However, his current vision seems to exclude the Palestinians as he considers transforming Gaza into a project of “economic development providing an unlimited supply of jobs and housing for the population of the region,” while claiming that the Palestinians must leave the territory. He has suggested their relocation to neighboring countries like Jordan or Egypt.

The reactions were fast and clear from Egypt and Jordan.

Egypt has firmly rejected any displacement of Palestinians, affirming its support for their right to remain on their land and denouncing colonization, annexation, and any attempt at forced depopulation.

Jordanian Minister Ayman Safadi also rejected this proposal, stating: «Jordan is for the Jordanians, Palestine is for the Palestinians.» He reaffirms Jordan’s unwavering support for Palestinians to remain on their land.

The UN emphasized that any deportation or forced transfer of population is formally prohibited by international law. Trump’s proposal has sparked a wave of global criticism, with several countries and organizations considering it a violation of international law and comparing it to ‘ethnic cleansing’.

Among the oppositions, France denounced a “proposal contrary to international law,” Germany alerted to the risks of instability, the United Kingdom defended “the rights of Palestinians,” and Spain rejected any occupation, while Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey condemned interference and the violation of Palestinian sovereignty.

It remains to be seen whether the American president’s statements will jeopardize the recently achieved ceasefire.