Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' Plan Sparks Outcry and Skepticism
President Donald Trump’s proposal to transform the Gaza Strip into a “Riviera of the Middle East” has sparked widespread condemnation and skepticism both domestically and internationally. During a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on February 5, 2025, Trump suggested the U.S. would take “long-term ownership” of Gaza, relocating its 2.2 million Palestinian residents temporarily to rebuild the war-torn enclave into a luxury waterfront destination. Critics, including U.S. allies and Middle East experts, have denounced the plan as impractical and tantamount to ethnic cleansing, with many questioning its feasibility under international law.
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from key Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, which have firmly rejected any displacement of Palestinians. Even within the U.S., Trump’s remarks have caused friction, with some allies like Sen. Lindsey Graham expressing concerns about the plan’s implications. The idea has also led to internal dissent, as a pro-Trump Arab American group, Arab Americans for Trump, rebranded itself as Arab Americans for Peace in opposition to the proposal.
Trump’s vision for Gaza echoes earlier remarks by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who in 2024 described Gaza’s waterfront as “very valuable” and suggested relocating its population for redevelopment. However, Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have dismissed the plan as unworkable without a pathway to Palestinian statehood. Analysts note that the proposal faces significant legal, logistical, and political hurdles, particularly given Hamas’s continued control over Gaza and the complex land ownership laws in the region.
While Trump’s comments have been met with enthusiasm by some Israeli settler groups, they have also reignited painful historical memories for Palestinians, many of whom were displaced during the 1948 Nakba. Despite the controversy, Trump’s administration has clarified that the plan does not involve deploying U.S. troops to Gaza, though critics remain skeptical of its viability. The proposal has further complicated ongoing ceasefire negotiations and efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, underscoring the deeply contentious nature of Trump’s vision for Gaza.
Trump's plans for a 'riviera of the Middle East' in Gaza condemned by America's allies
Trump has alighted on a strip of land as emotionally charged and politically intractable as it is tiny and ruined.
www.nbcnews.com
After the president's Gaza 'Riviera' comments, pro-Trump Arab American group changes its name
The group's chairman, Bishara Bahbah, told The Associated Press on Wednesday it's “completely opposed to the idea of the transfer of Palestinians from
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Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' echoes Kushner waterfront property dreams
Trump's plan has revived an idea floated by his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
www.reuters.com
‘Riviera’ in Gaza and Aid Agency Assault Capture Trump’s Vision of U.S. Power
Mr. Trump’s America First vision is a one-way street that erects walls to keep illegal immigrants out but demands other territories give way to Americ
www.nytimes.com
Global fury builds over Trump’s plan to turn Gaza into the Middle East ‘Riviera’
U.S. president faces outrage from Arab countries and key European capitals over his “dangerous” proposal that Palestinians should be removed from the
www.politico.eu
Trump says US will ‘take over’ and ‘own’ Gaza in redevelopment plan
US president claims development plan could turn enclave into ‘the Riviera of the Middle East’.
www.aljazeera.com
Trump claims U.S. will take over Gaza and turn it into new Riviera
Gaza is home to two million Palestinians. Trump wants to relocate them.
www.axios.com
Could Trump's 'Riviera of the Middle East' plan bring peace? – DW – 02/05/2025
While Arab leaders have rejected the latest push of US ownership for the Gaza Strip and the relocation of Palestinians, it remains to be seen if Egypt
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Allies and foes reject Trump's 'Riviera' plans for Gaza: 'New suffering and new hatred'
Leaders from across the globe rejected President Donald Trump's claim that the U.S. would take over the Gaza Strip and prompt the mass relocation of P
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