Trump Eyes Gaza Hungrily: A 'Riviera' Reborn or Forced Relocation?

In a move that blends ambitious redevelopment with controversial population shifts, the Trump administration is reportedly exploring a sweeping postwar blueprint for Gaza, one that could transform the war-torn enclave into a glittering "Riviera of the Middle East." Dubbed the Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trust (GREAT Trust), the proposal envisions U.S.-led control, massive investments in high-tech hubs and luxury resorts, and the "voluntary" relocation of Gaza's entire 2 million-plus population. But critics warn it risks violating international law and echoing historical displacements, all while promising no U.S. taxpayer dollars and hefty returns for investors, as reported today by The Washington Post.

As the Israel-Hamas war nears its two-year anniversary, with over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction, the plan, detailed in a 38-page prospectus obtained by The Washington Post, offers a stark vision of renewal amid rubble. It proposes at least a decade of American trusteeship, relocating residents either abroad with cash incentives or to secure internal zones during reconstruction. Those who leave could pocket $5,000 per person, plus rent and food subsidies, potentially saving the trust $23,000 per departure compared to on-site support.

From Demolition to Dream: The GREAT Trust Unveiled

At its core, the GREAT Trust aims to reimagine Gaza as a prosperous, pro-American ally under the Abraham Accords, Trump's signature Middle East diplomatic achievement. Developed by Israeli entrepreneurs like Michael Eisenberg and Liran Tancman (who previously launched the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation for aid distribution), with financial modeling from a Boston Consulting Group team, the plan promises self-sustaining growth without relying on donations.

Key features include:

- Mega-Projects for Profit: Investor-funded initiatives like electric vehicle factories, data centers, desalination plants, and a "Gaza Trump Riviera" with beach resorts and artificial islands inspired by Dubai's Palm Jumeirah. A ring road dubbed the "MBS Highway" (after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman) and a central artery named for UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan would connect new infrastructure, including a southern port and airport linked to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

- Smart Cities and Job Boom: Six to eight AI-powered urban centers with high-rise apartments, commerce, schools, hospitals, parks, and even golf courses. The plan projects a million new jobs in tech and manufacturing, leveraging Gaza's strategic location as a logistics hub for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

- Land and Incentives: Publicly owned land (about 30% of Gaza) would collateralize initial costs. Property owners get digital tokens redeemable for new 1,800-square-foot apartments valued at $75,000, or usable to fund lives elsewhere.

Security would start with Israeli oversight, transitioning to third-country nationals and Western private contractors before handing off to local police after 10 years. The trust claims a fourfold return on a $100 billion investment, with ongoing revenue from energy, minerals, and tourism.

White House discussions, including a recent meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and Tony Blair, have reportedly touched on these ideas. Witkoff teased a "very comprehensive plan," though the administration declined comment. BCG distanced itself, noting the work wasn't authorized and led to firings.

Trump's 'Takeover' Rhetoric Fuels the Fire

President Trump has championed the concept since his campaign, vowing to end the war swiftly and apply his real estate acumen. "It's a phenomenal location... on the sea, the best weather," he said post-inauguration, envisioning a "Riviera of the Middle East." In February, alongside Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump declared the U.S. would "take over" Gaza for long-term stability, later sharing an AI-generated video of sparkling high-rises, sunbathing leaders, and a golden Trump statue set to a jingle: "Trump Gaza is finally here."

Backpedaling amid backlash, officials like Rubio and press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified relocations would be "temporary" and voluntary. Yet Trump reiterated in a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II that Palestinians would live "beautifully in another location." Potential host countries floated include Libya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Indonesia, and Somaliland, many grappling with their own crises. Trump noted interest in Somaliland's offer, tied to recognition of its independence.

Israeli leaders echo elements: Netanyahu seeks Hamas disarmament and rejects Palestinian Authority rule, while far-right figures like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich advocate annexation and "voluntary immigration." Israel, controlling 75% of Gaza, plans a full offensive soon.

Competing Visions and Humanitarian Alarms

Since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, proposals have flooded in. Early Israeli "bubbles" for aid, Biden's U.N.-overseen path to statehood, and Arab plans for technocrat governance with Gulf funding and Egyptian-trained police. Egypt's summit-endorsed model includes Arab peacekeepers, but the U.S. and Israel have dismissed it.

Humanitarian groups decry the devastation: 90% of housing destroyed, half a million facing starvation. U.N. estimates highlight the urgency, while experts like Rutgers' Adil Haque warn against plans barring returns or skimping on aid, deeming them unlawful despite incentives.

Palestinians like Abu Mohamed, a 55-year-old in Khan Younis, vow to stay: "This is my homeland." Analyst Yousef Munayyer calls the destruction "unlike anything we've seen," stressing political clarity amid extreme needs.

A Path to Prosperity or Peril?

The GREAT Trust draws historical parallels to U.S. postwar roles in Japan, Germany, and Pacific islands, claiming legal basis under occupation doctrines. It envisions Gaza evolving into a multilateral entity with Arab buy-in, dismissing Gulf states' statehood demands as rhetoric.

Yet, outrage mounts over potential "ethnic cleansing" vibes, relocation debates trace back to 1967. As Israel corrals Gazans southward and Trump pushes bold decisions, the plan's fate hinges on war's end, investor appetite, and international law.

One insider predicts Trump will opt for a "bold" U.S. role, varying by outcomes. For now, amid rubble and rallies for hostages, Gaza's future hangs between utopian dreams and dystopian fears.