Donald Trump's plan to transform Gaza into a 'riviera' has been met with international outrage, with concerns heightened after former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair was reportedly present at White House discussions on the matter. The scheme, first outlined in February, involves the expulsion of 2 million Palestinians and a 10-year US administration of the enclave.
Under the proposal, each Palestinian would receive $5,000 plus four years' rent and one year's food supply, while Gaza is rebuilt as a hub for artificial intelligence investment and tourism, potentially yielding $400bn for developers. Critics argue the plan amounts to de facto imprisonment and ethnic cleansing, and is unlikely to gain support from any Arab or Western state except Israel.
Tony Blair's leaked visit to the White House has sparked debate over his role. The article questions whether Blair used his influence to oppose the plan or was party to it. The US, as Israel's principal sponsor following the Hamas attacks in October 2023, is implicated in the destruction of over 90% of Gaza's built environment and the deaths of 63,000 people.
The plan has drawn comparisons to past US imperialist ventures, including interventions in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq, which often ended in failure. The author notes that no realisable future for Gaza can involve mass displacement, and alternative proposals, such as Egypt's $53bn reconstruction plan or a revival of the Oslo settlement, are being discussed.
As the international community reacts, the feasibility of Trump's vision remains highly questionable, with many viewing it as a recipe for further instability.
