Trump’s Plan from Migration to Purchase: Is Gaza Becoming a Deal?
In a move that has stirred widespread controversy, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to “own the Gaza Strip,” suggesting a shared responsibility for its reconstruction with other nations. This shocking proposition reflects Trump’s business-oriented approach even in political and humanitarian issues, raising serious questions about the future of over two million Palestinians living in the region.
Trump’s Business Approach to Politics
Former Palestinian Minister Safwan Abu Zaida, speaking on Sky News Arabia’s “Al-Zahira” program, described Trump’s statements as an extension of his approach to treat politics as business transactions. He emphasized that “the lands inhabited by Palestinians are not for sale, and attempts to auction them on the international market are completely unacceptable.”
Yohanan Tzoreff, a senior researcher at the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies, argued that the concept of buying homelands is neither politically nor ethically feasible. He noted that “this rhetoric pleases the Israeli right-wing extremists but exacerbates internal conflicts and does not serve Israeli interests.”
Humanitarian Pressures: Disguised Migration or Voluntary Choice?
Reports indicate immense humanitarian pressures on Palestinians encouraging voluntary migration. Our correspondents from within Gaza report that northern Gaza residents face a severe lack of basic necessities like food aid and clean water, compounded by delays in essential humanitarian aid such as 20,000 mobile homes and 200,000 tents, worsening conditions.
Abu Zaida warned that such policies lend legitimacy to radical ideas, pointing out that “Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich considers Palestinian migration part of his ideology, and with such statements, Trump reinforces this direction.”
Tzoreff insists that “migration should be a result of personal will, not forced by power,” adding that mass migration enforcement contradicts the democratic values and human principles both the U.S. and Israel claim to uphold.
Arab Rejection: Will Trump Face a Decisive Response?
In response to this escalation, Arab countries are organizing an emergency summit on the 27th of this month, expected to issue clear resolutions reflecting Arab consensus against Trump’s plan. Abu Zaida stressed that “Arabs can say ‘no’ to Trump because they do not need him,” asserting that “despite U.S. influence, they cannot impose their will on Arabs regarding the Palestine issue.”
Countries like Egypt and Jordan have outright rejected any partnership in solving the Palestinian issue, with the Arab League set to deliver a unified message to Washington that “selling Gaza and migrating its people is a red line.”
Israel: Reluctant Support and Internal Disputes
From the Israeli side, while the right-wing government aligns with Trump’s views, there is significant internal division. Tzoreff revealed that “Netanyahu was surprised by Trump’s statements and was not fully aware of the preparations,” indicating a lack of serious internal discussion within the Israeli government on the matter.
Some ministers, despite their right-wing affiliations, oppose the idea of buying Gaza or migrating its residents due to fears of regional escalation and international repercussions. There’s also legal opposition within Israel, with legal advisors informing Foreign Minister Eli Cohen that the idea conflicts with both Israeli and international law.
Conclusion: Gaza as a Commodity in Trump’s Auction?
The current scenario dangerously portrays Gaza shifting from a political and humanitarian issue to a card in Trump’s deals. While Trump markets his project as a peaceful solution, Palestinians and Arabs see it as a repackaging of forced migration under economic guise.
The questions remain open: Will Arab and international pressures curb Trump’s plan, or will Gaza become another stage for political blackmail? The coming days will reveal the extent to which Palestinians and their allies can confront this unprecedented challenge.
