The idea of using Gaza’s land as a real estate project for financial gain has long been associated with the Israeli settler movement. This concept, championed by certain factions within Donald Trump’s circle, reflects a strategic plan to reshape the region into a lucrative development area at the expense of Palestinian residents. As part of his broader vision, Trump is pushing for a dramatic alteration of Gaza, in a move that some see as a form of ethnic cleansing.
For decades, Israel has solidified its presence in Palestine by constructing settlements on occupied territories, using them as tools for territorial claims and the displacement of Palestinians. This approach, aimed at permanently changing the demographic landscape, has found support among various elements of Trump’s administration, including figures like Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former advisor. Kushner, whose role in the administration included crafting the controversial 2020 Middle East peace plan, has voiced admiration for the economic potential of Gaza, describing it as an untapped “waterfront property.”
Trump’s rhetoric and policies echo the ambitions of Israel’s settler movement. His recent statements calling for the U.S. to “take over” Gaza and “clean out” its population reflect an alarming vision of total control. His plan suggests that the U.S. should not only manage Gaza but also exploit the region for future real estate development. “We’ll own it,” Trump asserted, hinting at a future where the US plays a central role in Gaza’s transformation into a commercial hub, despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
These ideas align closely with Israel’s long-standing policies in the West Bank, where settlements have been built on Palestinian land, with many factories and farms relying on Palestinian labor. Additionally, the Israeli tourism industry thrives on its monopoly over access to Jerusalem, and the infrastructure connecting Israeli settlements to key sites has been key to the economic growth of these regions.
Several of Trump’s close allies have expressed vocal support for Israeli settler projects, with figures like former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, an evangelical Christian and staunch supporter of the settler movement, physically contributing to settlement construction during Trump’s first term. Other Trump figures, such as Mike Pompeo, have also supported such projects, with Pompeo even becoming the first U.S. Secretary of State to visit a West Bank settlement.
As Trump prepares for a potential second term, his focus on real estate development in the Middle East is becoming clearer. His Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, a billionaire real estate developer, and potential ambassador Mike Huckabee, signal a shift toward deepening economic ties with Israel, with a particular focus on Gaza’s potential for investment.
Jared Kushner has been especially vocal about the promise of Gaza as a real estate opportunity, describing its “waterfront property” as potentially valuable if the area were “cleaned up” and restructured. His private equity firm, Affinity Partners, has sought financial backing for Gaza’s reconstruction, with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states appearing as potential investors.
Israel has long harbored plans for Gaza’s economic revitalization, with proposals like an artificial island for a seaport and airport resurfacing in diplomatic discussions. Trump’s plan, while more aggressive, bears similarities to these past initiatives, aiming to reshape Gaza into a commercial hub akin to the Mediterranean Riviera.
However, these proposals raise significant ethical and legal concerns. Critics argue that such plans are driven by a desire to displace the native Palestinian population, an act they contend would amount to ethnic cleansing. Despite this, Trump’s vision for Gaza has received a muted endorsement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who lauded the idea as one that “could change history.”
As the conflict in Gaza continues, with nearly 50,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces, the global community remains divided over how to address Israel’s actions. Yet, for Trump and his allies, the conversation seems to center on the financial and strategic value of the land, sidelining the immense human cost of such plans.
This vision for Gaza is not just about real estate development—it represents a dangerous expansion of settler ambitions in the region, with significant implications for the future of Palestinian sovereignty and the broader Middle East peace process.
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