Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump is persisting with a contentious plan to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, suggesting the United States take control of the territory. This proposal has drawn strong opposition from Palestinian, Arab, and global communities, as well as numerous international organizations.
According to Yemen News Agency, Trump’s approach has often resembled that of a real estate developer rather than a traditional political figure. During a recent press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump announced his intention to seize control of Gaza and displace its Palestinian residents, leading to widespread condemnation.
Although Trump later indicated there was no urgency to implement this plan, framing it as a business-driven initiative for peace, the proposal has already sparked significant controversy. Trump’s remarks have been seen as a potential backtrack, as he told reporters, “We’re not in a hurry on this.”
Reports from Israel hig
hlight that in July 2024, Joseph Bilzman, a professor of economics and international relations at George Washington University, submitted a detailed plan to Trump’s team. This plan, described as a “redevelopment” strategy for post-war Gaza, has further fueled the debate.
The Times of Israel reports that Bilzman’s proposal assesses Gaza’s economic collapse, citing World Bank data showing minimal GDP growth and high unemployment rates. His plan suggests a complete evacuation of the strip, the destruction of Hamas’ tunnels, and rebuilding efforts estimated to cost up to $2 trillion.
Concerns about Trump’s business interests in Gaza have arisen, given his descriptions of the region as “developable” and his son-in-law Jared Kushner’s remarks about Gaza’s valuable waterfront. Trump’s recent comments about Gaza’s potential have only intensified speculation about the motivations behind his plan.
The international community remains wary, with Arab nations and Palestinians rejecting the idea of relocating Palestinia
ns to Egypt or Jordan. Human rights advocates have labeled such proposals as ethnic cleansing.
While details of Trump’s plan remain sparse, the backlash has been immediate and fierce. The ongoing ceasefire and negotiations between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., add another layer of complexity to the situation.