Donald Trump returns to shake the international community with an announcement destined to cause discussion: "The United States will take control of Gaza, ensuring stability in the region.” The statement, released during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, also predicts a radical fate for the more than two million Palestinians living in the Strip: “They must leave Gaza and live elsewhere in peace“, said the former American president, adding that thearea will be transformed into a luxury tourist hub. "Gaza to become the Riviera of the Middle East".
A statement that immediately raised awave of reactions, especially for the uncertain fate of the Palestinian population.
Trump's Plan: US Control and Economic Recovery
The project outlined by Trump includes a real “takeover” of the Strip, with the possibility of sending American troops to ensure their safety and start the reconstruction. “The United States will take control of Gaza and will take care of the bomb disposal and urban reorganization,” he explained. The plan includes the transformation of the area into a prosperous zone, with investment and tourism development. “We want economic development with endless jobs and modern housing,” he said.
A central aspect of the plan is the transfer of the Palestinian population elsewhere, in “beautiful, fresh and new lands”, financed by third countries with humanitarian purposes. “The Palestinians must leave Gaza and resettle in other countries,” Trump insisted. “Gaza has been a symbol of death and destruction for decades, and the Palestinians want to go back there only because they have no alternative.”
Netanyahu: “A project that will change history”
Dal canto suo, Netanyahu enthusiastically welcomed the proposal, calling it "a vision outside traditional parameters that can change history". The Israeli Prime Minister reiterated the link with the United States: "With you and me we will be stronger than ever“, he said, addressing Trump.
During the meeting, the two leaders also announced nnew billion-dollar arms supplies to Israel and the decision of stop funding to UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, accused by Israel of links with Hamas.
Harsh reactions: Hamas “racist plan”, Saudi Arabia puts the brakes on
La Hamas's response did not take long to arrive. The group defined the “racist and ridiculous” plan, accusing Trump of wanting “eradicate the Palestinian cause”. “Trump’s statements are absurd and could further inflame the region,” the Hamas official warned Sami Abu Zuhri.
Also 'Saudi Arabia expressed strong dissent, reiterating that will not normalize relations with Israel without the creation of an independent Palestinian state. “The kingdom’s position is firm and unshakeable,” Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister said, ruling out any diplomatic recognition without Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem.
The proposal to relocate the Palestinian population also clashes with the Egypt and Jordan's refusal to welcome refugees into their territories. “They will accept in the end”, said Trump, confident that other countries will follow suit.
According to the Palestinian ambassador to Moscow, Abdel Hafez Nofal, the solution remains the creation of two states, supported by several countries, including Russia.
New US military intervention in the Middle East?
one of the most controversial aspects of the plan concerns the possibility of a new US military intervention in the Middle East. “We will do whatever it takes”, Trump said, without ruling out sending troops. A prospect that has raised concerns also in the United States, considering that up to now the Trumpian doctrine has favored the withdrawal of American forces from foreign conflicts.
A possible American occupation of Gaza would represent a drastic change of strategy for US foreign policy, opening up complex scenarios both on the geopolitical and military levels. Trump, known for his rnationalist and isolationist ethics, now seems to be turning towards a more expansionist vision, between imperial ambitions and reasons of national security. After having hypothesized the annexation of Greenland, of the Panama Canal and even Canada, the former president now aim at Gaza.
Meanwhile, the international community is preparing to discuss the future of the Middle East at an international conference in New York scheduled for June. Between hypotheses of new conflicts and the risk of regional destabilization, the road to a peaceful solution still seems uphill.
