Editorial
President Trump’s statement about leveling Gaza and turning it into a Riviera is highly controversial and could be seen as irresponsible and dangerous for several reasons. Such rhetoric, especially from a president with significant influence, can have immediate and short-term consequences. Not in any order of importance these could be:
Escalation of Tensions
Regional Instability: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most sensitive and volatile issues in international relations. Statements advocating for the destruction of Gaza could exacerbate tensions and provoke violent responses from Palestinian groups or other regional actors.
Diplomatic Relations: Such rhetoric could strain relations between the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East, as well as with other international partners who are working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Immediate backlash from Arab states and international bodies could lead to diplomatic tensions. Countries might formally protest or reconsider their diplomatic relations with the U.S. over this stance.
Humanitarian Concerns
Civilian Impact: Gaza is home to approximately 2.2 million people, many of whom are already living in dire conditions due to blockades and ongoing conflict. Advocating for its leveling disregards the humanitarian impact and the potential loss of civilian lives. If any action were taken to move Palestinians, it would likely exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, potentially leading to further displacement, suffering, and international condemnation.
International Law: Statements suggesting the destruction of a densely populated area could be interpreted as a violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks on civilians and the destruction of property not justified by military necessity.
Ethnic Cleansing Concerns: The proposal to move all Palestinians out of Gaza and then redevelop the area has been widely criticized as a form of ethnic cleansing.
Political Repercussions
Domestic Reaction: Within the U.S., such statements could polarize public opinion further. Supporters might view it as a strong stance in favor of Israel, while critics could see it as reckless and inflammatory.
Global Perception: Internationally, this rhetoric could damage the U.S.’s reputation and its role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It could also be used by adversaries to undermine U.S. credibility and moral authority.
Historical and Political Ignorance: Trump’s comments seem to ignore the complex political and historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Treating Gaza solely as “waterfront property” (as suggested by the president’s son-in-law) or a “demolition site” without considering the human cost and cultural significance of the area is a simplification that could lead to further conflict.
Internationally, this could lead to condemnation from countries and bodies that advocate for Palestinian rights or oppose actions that appear to disregard international law, potentially leading to legal actions or sanctions against the U.S. for supporting actions that could be seen as violating international law.
Security Risks
Increased Violence: There is a risk that such statements could incite violence, both in the region and potentially against U.S. interests abroad. Extremist groups might use the rhetoric to recruit members and justify attacks.
Retaliation: Palestinian factions or other groups opposed to U.S. and Israeli policies might retaliate with increased rocket attacks, terrorism, or other forms of violence.
There could be an increase in security threats against U.S. interests or allies, given the inflammatory nature of the proposal. This might manifest in increased terrorism risks or cyberattacks.
Regional Instability: Such a proposal could provoke immediate backlash from Arab nations and the broader Muslim world, where support for Palestinian rights is strong. Egypt and Jordan have already rejected resettlement plans for Gazans, indicating potential diplomatic fallout.
Impact on Peace Efforts
Undermining Diplomacy: Ongoing efforts for peace and negotiations could be severely undermined by such rhetoric. It could harden positions on both sides and make future diplomatic initiatives more challenging.
Trust Deficit: Trust between the parties involved in the conflict is already fragile. Statements advocating for the destruction of Gaza could further erode any remaining trust and make reconciliation even more difficult.
Conclusion
President Trump’s statement about leveling Gaza and turning it into a Riviera was irresponsible and dangerous due to its potential to escalate tensions, provoke violence, undermine humanitarian and diplomatic efforts and shows no regard to the people of Gaza. The immediate and short-term consequences could include increased regional instability, heightened security risks, and further polarisation both domestically and internationally.
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Since when did Gaza belong to Donald Trump?
The future of Gaza is a matter primarily for Gaza in consultation with the Government of Israel. If the Gazans decide to rebuild Gaza as it was before the IDF destroyed it with bombs provided by the US Government then the least the US could do would be to provide funds for reconstruction. Otherwise the US has no right or authority to suggest what the future holds for Gaza.
Peter,
Netanyahu seems think it’s a good idea (no surprise there), it would get the Palestinians out of the way. Trump doesn’t give a shit except for seeing it as a chance (almost non-existent) to snap up land add untold millions of dollars to his bank accounts while not having to pay for any of the rebuilding.
Which country, or countries, are going to accept two million plus displaced Palestinians along with the inherent risk of Hamas?
We seem to have a criminal president of USA sitting down to work out the future with a War criminal from Israel, and we rely on this menage to be the major supporter of our national security.
What next? Canada as another state, Greenland, Panama, Gaza, Mexico?
Do we honestly think we are going to remain immune to the damage being planned?
If there is to be a wall it should be thrown arround the rogue nations of USA and Israel, and a smart move by us is to chuck them out of Pine Gap, and other bases they have procurred.
Associating with these criminals is never going to do us any good.
douglas pritchard, how very insightful is your comment to this topical subject.
I am pleased to read that other persons, including yourself, host the mindset to be a correct copy of your insightful commentary.
The fact that our 2 major political parties remain shtum to these true life realities predicated by the author, and are well understood by the many followers of this independent website.
Thank you, Michael, your provision of very interesting topics for open dicussion are a credit to you.
(You will have noticed my subscription remains effectively ongoing.)
Thank you, William. That was very kind of you, on both counts.
I’m developing a database of current issues so when one is topical I already have half of the article written. My next project is comparing how well off we are now to how well off we were a generation ago. Spoiler alert: Australians were better off a generation ago.
What’s the bet that the haemorrhoid tries his usual political point scoring bullshit?
https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/anthony-albanese-says-australias-position-on-gaza-is-unchanged-after-donald-trump-suggests-us-should-take-control/news-story/13f49161ddba546f40c16f44729ea887
I’ve been wondering how Ukraine was going to be rebuilt. Waddy y’rekn… problem already solved?
The first sign of significant push-back came earlier today when Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry affirmed that the kingdom will continue its “relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital”; that it “will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that.“, and adding further that this position is “non-negotiable and not subject to compromise”.
https://x.com/KSAmofaEN/status/1886953044484473007?mx=2
Even so, its still necessary to consider the logistics involved in reconstruction, and that’s so whether or not the Palestinians are ever allowed to return and settle there – an unlikely outcome you would think.
Trump may well be right in the sense that whatever type of reconstruction is contemplated, there is so much toxic material present in the form of possibly huge quantities of unexploded ordinance, of explosive residue, of heavy metals, of asbestos in different forms – particularly in the refugee camps, of unknown and hazardous chemicals, of large areas of standing polluted water, which by now is slowly seeping through the porous subsoil and into the underground aquifers – from which in large part and prior to the present devastation, Gaza residents drew upon for their fresh water supply.
Consequently it may be thought that total clearance is the best, or at least the safest option, with all material safely buried. Trouble is, the amount of debris to be disposed of is estimated to be somewhere between 40 and 50 million tonnes, such that “If piled up…would be the equivalent of around 11 enormous heaps, each the size of the Great Pyramid in Giza, Egypt.”
What no one is presently agreed on is just where the Palestinians are going to be while all this is happening, and whatever decision is made, the Palestinians won’t be consulted – as usual.
Regarding landfill requirements, a team from the UN Environment Program estimated that something in the order of 530 hectares of land would be required, and given the thoroughly polluted nature of the debris, it won’t be buried in Gaza – especially under the new ‘resort’. Furthermore, I can’t see Israel allowing into its territory such ‘unclean’ material.
Consequently you can bet that everything will be simply dumped at sea, and as far away from land as possible.
A good overview of relevant matters is contained in this report:
[ https://www.reuters.com/graphics/ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS/ANNIVERSARY-GAZA-RUBBLE/akveegbnlvr/ ]