US President Donald Trump surprised the region last month by suggesting that the nearly 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza be resettled in other countries, including Egypt and Jordan. Trump proposed that the United States assume ownership of the Gaza territory, redeveloping it into what he described as a ‘Riviera’ of the Middle East. This comment caused a stir in the region and was categorically rejected by the Palestinians, Arab countries and human rights experts, who argued that such a proposal would violate international law and could worsen the situation of Palestinian refugees even further.
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The Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, showed its support for Trump’s idea, while in Gaza and in the Arab world the proposal was seen as an attempt to strip the Palestinians of their land and rights. Despite Israeli support, the idea met with strong opposition at the international level, with the most vocal rejection coming from the Palestinians themselves, who consider that any attempt at resettlement is a blow to their national aspirations.
Amidst growing tension, Israel has intensified the blockade of Gaza, preventing the entry of food, fuel, medicines and other basic supplies. This measure has been seen as an attempt to pressure Hamas to accept the conditions imposed by the Israeli government and Western powers. The restrictions have had a devastating impact on the civilian population of Gaza, who face increasingly difficult living conditions.
Human rights organisations have strongly condemned the blockade, arguing that it constitutes a violation of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power under international law. In addition, the suspension of humanitarian aid has further exacerbated the crisis, while the international community fears a resumption of fighting in the region.
In contrast to the resettlement proposals, Egypt has proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza that seeks to restore the strip without displacing its population. This plan, which would extend until 2030, envisages a series of phases, starting with the clearance of rubble and explosive devices left behind by the intense Israeli bombardments. The aim is to create a safer and more habitable environment for the residents of Gaza, including the construction of temporary housing and the regeneration of agricultural land.
The first phase of the plan proposes the clearance of more than 50 million tonnes of rubble, while in the following years the creation of a new urban infrastructure is planned, with sustainable housing, industrial zones and large parks. In addition, the use of renewable energies is being considered to reduce dependence on external resources and improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of Gaza.
The plan also includes the creation of a trust fund supervised by the World Bank, intended to receive international contributions to finance the reconstruction. In this sense, Egypt has proposed to organise an international conference in cooperation with the United Nations to coordinate efforts and ensure the viability of the project.
The future of Gaza remains uncertain, and the proposals for resettlement and reconstruction are just some of the approaches being discussed. However, the long-term solution remains a complex challenge. Palestinian opposition to the resettlement plans, the reluctance of Arab countries to accept additional refugees and the difficulties inherent in rebuilding an area devastated by years of conflict demonstrate how difficult it will be to achieve a lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises. The international community continues to press for a solution that respects the rights of the Palestinians and guarantees stability in the region. However, the road to a peaceful and just solution seems to be full of obstacles, and the situation remains extremely volatile.
In short, the future of Gaza and the Palestinians is marked by challenges that go beyond territorial borders and political agreements. The search for lasting peace will require coordinated efforts and a sincere commitment to human rights and social justice for all parties involved.
