"They Will Not Return":  Donald Trump's Plan to Own Gaza

Trump described the initiative as “real estate development for the future,” highlighting the prospect of creating "beautiful and safe communities" for Gaza's residents, although these would be situated outside the current boundaries of the strip.

Trump argued that relocating Palestinians to new settlements in the region would provide them with “much better housing,” and dismissed the idea of a “right of return” for displaced Palestinians, which has long been a key point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He stressed that rebuilding Gaza within its current borders would take years, and in the meantime, the residents would benefit more from relocating to new, permanent homes in the region. "Think of it as a real estate development," he said.

The proposal, which Trump suggested could be led by the U.S. with the help of regional partners, has sparked significant backlash, especially from Arab nations. Critics argue that such a plan amounts to forced displacement, a concept that many in the Arab world strongly oppose. Despite the criticism, Trump maintained that the plan had been "very well received" and emphasized that he was not in a rush to implement it. His main concern, he said, was regional stability, and he suggested that international investments could help bolster Gaza's reconstruction.

In his vision, Gaza would be transformed into the "Riviera of the Middle East," with a new, economically prosperous outlook. Trump’s plan also suggested that other Middle Eastern nations might assist in the project, but the critical issue of whether Gaza’s residents would voluntarily agree to relocate remains a significant hurdle.

The plan has also raised concerns within Israel. Senior IDF officers have questioned the feasibility of relocating Gaza’s population and warned that a forced displacement could lead to accusations of war crimes against Israel. Some believe that certain Gazans, particularly those from lower-income groups or those whose homes were destroyed, may be open to relocation. However, others argue that the proposal has been presented in a way that is unlikely to gain the support of either the Palestinians or the Arab world.

Despite the skepticism, Trump remains resolute. “There’s no hesitation,” he stated, emphasizing that the U.S. would play an integral role in overseeing the project. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has discussed options for allowing Gazans to voluntarily leave, through Ashdod Port and Ramon Airport, with strict security screenings in place.

However, Palestinian groups, including Hamas, are not backing down. Hamas' Gaza chief, Khalil al-Hayya, labeled the U.S. plan as "doomed" and vowed to resist it. “We will bring them down as we brought down the projects before them,” he declared, reaffirming Hamas' rejection of external proposals for Gaza's future.

The fate of Gaza and its people remains uncertain, with Trump’s plan offering an unconventional approach that is likely to face many challenges moving forward.