Trump’s Gaza Riviera Plan: A Luxury Destination Built on Palestinian Suffering
Trump’s Grand Vision for Gaza
Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump boldly declared that the United States should take over Gaza, treating it as a real estate opportunity rather than a region devastated by conflict. "Everybody I've spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing it, and creating thousands of jobs," Trump said. He spoke of relocating the Palestinian population elsewhere and redeveloping Gaza into a world-class luxury resort.
"If we could find the right piece of land, or numerous pieces of land, and build them some really nice places with plenty of money in the area, I think that would be a lot better than going back to Gaza," Trump stated. His comments suggest that Palestinians should be permanently displaced in favor of a high-end coastal paradise.
Despite the outrage this statement has sparked, the White House has attempted to downplay it. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the US has no plans to deploy troops to Gaza. Yet, the very notion of transforming Gaza into a Trump-branded resort while millions suffer is seen as deeply offensive and legally questionable.
Trump's Business Ties in the Middle East
Trump’s vision for Gaza is not an isolated idea—it fits into his broader financial interests in the region. The Trump Organization has already made significant business deals across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel. A New York Times investigation revealed that Trump's company has partnered with Saudi-based Dar Al Arkan to develop luxury apartments, hotels, and golf courses in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. Reports suggest that Trump has already profited $7.5 million from these ventures.
Trump's sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., have been actively involved in these Middle Eastern projects, recently visiting Oman to oversee their developments. Additionally, Trump has aligned with LIV Golf, a Saudi-financed professional league, hosting tournaments at his golf courses, including Trump National Doral in Miami.
Jared Kushner’s Financial Interests in the Region
Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, also has deep financial ties in the Middle East. His private equity firm, Affinity Partners, has raised $4.5 billion, mostly from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Kushner has invested in multiple Israeli companies, including Phoenix Holdings and Shlomo Holdings.
Kushner has previously commented on Gaza’s strategic value, stating at a Harvard event last year, "Gaza's waterfront property could be very valuable if people would focus on building up livelihoods." He has even suggested relocating Gaza's residents, mirroring Trump’s proposal.
Ethnic Cleansing Disguised as Development
Trump's proposal to turn Gaza into a luxury hotspot while forcefully relocating its people has been widely condemned. The United Nations and human rights organizations have labeled any forced displacement of Palestinians as ethnic cleansing. With nearly 62,000 Palestinians dead since the conflict erupted in October 2023, the suggestion of transforming Gaza into a high-end resort is viewed as deeply insensitive and outrageous.
Despite international outcry, Trump remains undeterred, insisting that his plan would bring stability to the region. However, for millions of Palestinians who have lost their homes, families, and livelihoods, the idea of a Trump-branded paradise built on their suffering is nothing short of a nightmare.