Discussing the reconstruction of Gaza without its inhabitants, the Mar-a-Lago resort could serve as an alternative for Gaza’s residents. Since the goal is to turn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East," it would only make sense to house them in another resort so they can later adapt to life in this Riviera and become fit to live in it.
Former US President Donald Trump has said that Palestinians would live safely somewhere else. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has explained that Trump sees his large Mar-a-Lago resort as an alternative for Gaza’s residents. Since the resort belongs to Trump, it could theoretically be traded for Gaza until reconstruction. Indeed, it would provide collateral that guarantees Palestinians would be able to return to Gaza- if that is, Trump is sincere about hosting Gaza’s residents and is genuinely troubled by the idea of leaving them without a home following its total devastation by his friend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
There is no doubt that rebuilding Gaza can only mean anything if its people are involved in the process. When Japan was destroyed by war and atomic bombs, it was rebuilt with its people there, not in their absence. Ensuring that Palestinians remain in their land is thus essential for Gaza’s reconstruction. If Palestinians rebuild the Strip themselves, it will create many employment opportunities, and there would be no need to displace them outside Palestine. The north of Gaza could be rebuilt as residents temporarily relocate to the south, and vice versa. During the war, northern residents were displaced to the south. Keeping Palestinians inside Gaza is neither difficult nor impossible, despite Trump's view of the situation. His approach to Gaza’s reconstruction is shaped by the mindset of a real estate mogul; it disregards geopolitical, demographic, and socio-cultural implications. To him, the "Riviera of the Middle East" is merely a stretch of tourist beaches- a view that totally disregards the existence and rights of Gaza’s native population.
Trump's plan to displace Gazans and resettle them in Jordan and Egypt has been sharply criticized, not only by his opponents but also by allies. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson criticized Trump's suggestion that Palestinians be expelled from Gaza and relocated to other countries, calling the idea neither realistic nor legal. Johnson sarcastically suggested Trump’s luxurious Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida as a relocation site for Palestinians, saying it would be a "wonderful place to house millions of people." He pointed out that Mar-a-Lago is owned by someone—just like Gaza—adding, "It's not gonna happen because somebody else owns it. And Gaza is, in law, owned and occupied by people who have a right to be there."
Trump’s attempt amounts to an effort to "buy" Gaza, but it is not a US asset up for sale. "I am committed to buying and owning Gaza;" he put it plainly. However, international law prohibits the forced displacement or deportation of people living under occupation, and the expulsion of Gaza’s residents (whether through land sales, purchases, or any other pretext, including the so-called reconstruction of Gaza and its transformation into the "Riviera of the Middle East") is nothing more than forced displacement. It follows the devastation left by Israel’s occupation forces, who have turned it into scorched earth.
Rebuilding Gaza with its people in it would be another chance to provide them with job opportunities. As for clearing the rubble, numerous precedents could be replicated, including Japan’s use of debris to build over the sea., Gaza could similarly expand and obtain additional space it desperately needs- a process that, according to experts, could take only a few months.
While reconstruction is undoubtedly a priority, ensuring that the population is housed and safe, is of equal importance. A balance must be struck between rebuilding Gaza and securing homes for its residents.
The forced displacement of Palestinians is not just untenable; it is also associated with a painful history of previous displacements, from the 1948 Nakba and the 1967 war to residents’ expulsion from the Golan Heights and South Lebanon. Many of those who had been displaced by these conflicts have kept the keys to their homes, now rusted by decades of exile, clinging to the hope of return, some for over seventy years.
Ultimately, Gaza must be rebuilt by its people, with them in their land. They must take part in rebuilding their future. This is the definitive answer to anyone genuinely committed to Gaza’s reconstruction for its rightful inhabitants, not others.
