Lagatar24 Desk
Washington: US President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to “take over” Gaza and transform it into the “Riviera of the Middle East” has ignited a global firestorm, with critics denouncing it as an unprecedented shift in US policytoward Palestine.
Trump’s Controversial Statement
• On Tuesday, Trump suggested the permanent displacement of Palestinians, hinting at a vision where the US would control Gaza and rebuild it into a luxury destination.
• His remarks have triggered outrage, particularly in the Arab world, where many view the proposal as an attack on Palestinian self-determination.
• Critics, including policy analysts, have described the move as “ethnic cleansing” and a departure from the two-state solution that the US has historically supported.
White House Clarifies Position
• In response to global backlash, the White House moved quickly to soften Trump’s stance.
• Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated that the US has not committed to sending troops or financing Gaza’s reconstruction.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump, claiming that the president merely wanted Palestinians to leave Gaza temporarily while the region undergoes rebuilding efforts.
A Negotiation Tactic or a Political Distraction?
• Trump’s comments come as Israel and Hamas prepare for the second phase of a ceasefire agreement, which could involve a hostage exchange and an end to military operations.
• Some analysts believe Trump’s remarks might be a strategic negotiation tool aimed at pressuring Hamas and Israel into a deal.
• Others argue that his statements are meant to distract from ongoing diplomatic challenges and reassert his influence over Middle East policy.
Israel’s Reaction: Netanyahu Praises Trump
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes a Palestinian state, welcomed Trump’s remarks and called him “a leader who thinks outside the box.”
• Netanyahu has long been critical of Palestinian governance in Gaza and has advocated for stronger Israeli security control over the territory.
Breaking Decades of US Foreign Policy?
• Trump’s proposal represents a radical shift from the traditional US stance, which has historically supported a two-state solution with Gaza as part of a future Palestinian state.
• Brian Finucane, a US foreign policy expert at the International Crisis Group, warned that Trump’s plan undercuts any possibility of a negotiated peace.
• Analysts argue that Palestinians are unlikely to voluntarily leave Gaza, and regional leaders will reject any forced relocation efforts.
