The American President Donald Trump considered that allowing Palestinians to return to Gaza after the conflict with Israel would be a “big mistake,” noting that he sees Gaza as a “large piece of real estate” that should be subject to American ownership for gradual development.

In statements to reporters aboard his plane while heading to Louisiana, Trump said: “We don’t want Hamas to go back to Gaza. I think allowing Palestinians to return there would be a disastrous mistake. We see it as an area that could be owned by the United States and developed gradually, which will contribute to stabilizing the Middle East.”

“The Riviera of the Middle East”.. Trump’s plan to rebuild Gaza

Trump confirmed that Gaza is currently “completely destroyed,” but he pledged that “this place will be organized and rebuilt with the help of wealthy Middle Eastern countries,” noting that the United States will play a pivotal role in rehabilitating the sector.

Trump had revealed in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House a proposal for direct American control over the Gaza Strip, where he said: “The United States will take control of Gaza, and we expect to have long-term ownership there.”

He also clarified that Washington will take responsibility for rebuilding the sector and transforming it into “the Riviera of the Middle East,” making it a new global destination for investment and tourism.

Widespread international criticism

Trump’s statements sparked angry reactions internationally, where Amnesty International considered them an attempt to ignore Palestinian rights, while the Palestinian Authority and Hamas described them as a “new colonial scheme” aimed at expelling Palestinians from their land and erasing their national identity.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East

This escalation comes amid ongoing tensions in Gaza and the West Bank, where observers warn that the American proposals may exacerbate the regional crisis, instead of achieving the desired stability. The plan is also expected to provoke widespread rejection from Arab countries and the international community, especially with Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia's commitment to reject any attempts to resettle Palestinians outside their territories.

Will Trump proceed with his plan?

With the American president insisting on these propositions, the future of Gaza remains unclear, as questions remain open about the feasibility of implementing this plan, and whether it is merely political statements or an actual project under consideration within the U.S. administration.