Allies and foes reject Trump’s ‘Riviera’ plans for Gaza: ‘new suffering and new hatred’

The global community was left in a state of shock and disbelief on Wednesday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of his intention to develop the Gaza Strip into a “Riviera of the Middle East” and relocate millions of Palestinians living there. The bombshell proposal was made during a press conference where Trump, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hinted at the possibility of U.S. military intervention and the takeover of the Gaza Strip.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to ease concerns by clarifying that the president had not committed to putting boots on the ground or funding the reconstruction plans. Despite these reassurances, leaders from all corners of the world responded swiftly and strongly against Trump’s proposal.

In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution for the Palestinians. The United Arab Emirates, a signatory to the Abraham Accords, also denounced any violation of the Palestinians’ rights and called for an end to settlement activities. Hamas, a prominent Palestinian group, vowed to resist any attempts to displace the population from their land.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed the Palestinians’ right to their land, while Iran expressed its opposition to any displacement of Palestinians. In Europe, leaders from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Russia all voiced their support for a two-state solution, emphasizing the need to respect international law and avoid further conflict.

China reiterated its stance on the importance of Palestinians governing Gaza, while Turkey labeled Trump’s proposal as unacceptable and warned of increased conflict. Australia, a key U.S. ally, maintained its support for a two-state solution, while Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized Trump’s remarks as “bravado” and stressed the incomprehensibility of displacing Palestinians.

The global backlash against Trump’s proposal highlights the deep-rooted complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the world grapples with the aftermath of the recent violence in Gaza, the need for a sustainable and peaceful resolution remains paramount. It is evident that any unilateral actions that disregard international consensus and the rights of the Palestinian people will only serve to exacerbate tensions and hinder the prospects for lasting peace in the region.