Trump, Netanyahu Unveil Controversial Postwar Gaza Vision Amid Ceasefire Push and Regional Strikes
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday unveiled the contours of an ambitious and controversial postwar vision for Gaza that includes the creation of a luxury “Gazan Riviera,” population relocation efforts, and sweeping reconstruction projects tied to U.S.-Gulf investments — all while ceasefire negotiations with Hamas remain deadlocked.
The joint vision, heavily influenced by proposals from American consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG), envisions a reimagined Gaza rebuilt with Gulf-backed mega-projects, including infrastructure named after powerful Arab leaders — such as the “MBS Ring” highway in reference to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and “MBZ Central,” invoking the name of UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed. The plan also includes a proposed “Elon Musk Smart Manufacturing Zone.”
A key element of the plan — dubbed the “Great Trust” — includes incentivized voluntary emigration for as many as half a million Gazans, a concept Trump first floated in February, when he called for relocating Palestinians from the coastal enclave and developing it into a Middle Eastern “Riviera.”
Netanyahu endorsed the idea at a White House dinner with Trump Monday night, calling it a “brilliant vision,” while insisting that Palestinians would have the freedom to stay or leave. “If people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave,” Netanyahu said, adding that several countries are being considered as relocation destinations. Maps accompanying the project documents indicate Egypt, Cyprus, and unspecified “additional destinations.”
Humanitarian Camp Proposals Aim to Provide Safety and Stability
In a bold step toward securing a more stable and peaceful future for Gaza’s civilian population, the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been associated with a $2 billion initiative to establish large-scale “Humanitarian Transit Areas” (HTAs) inside and potentially outside the enclave. Internal planning documents describe the HTAs as temporary safe zones designed to provide shelter, educational services, deradicalization support, and voluntary relocation opportunities for families seeking a fresh start beyond the conflict zone.
The proposal — which includes collaboration with SRS, a U.S.-based logistics partner — reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration and Israeli leadership to ensure aid reaches those in need without being diverted by Hamas. Unlike traditional channels that have faced criticism for enabling corruption, GHF’s model emphasizes accountability, targeted support, and strategic partnerships to restore trust among donors and civilians alike.
Supporters argue that HTAs could become a lifeline for vulnerable populations, offering safe spaces to recover, rebuild, and access global opportunities. The zones are envisioned as modern, humane facilities featuring schools, hygienic infrastructure, and comprehensive support systems, aimed at achieving long-term stability.
Diplomatic Push and Ceasefire Talks
While promoting the Gaza vision, Trump and Netanyahu also discussed a fragile ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the 21-month-long Israel-Hamas war. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to travel to Qatar this week for indirect negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that “positive developments” are emerging, with Israel having approved the current ceasefire terms. Trump expressed optimism Sunday night that a deal could be reached within days.
However, new Hamas leadership under Izz al-Din al-Haddid, who replaced several leaders killed by Israel, is resisting a full hostage release without a permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal — conditions Netanyahu has rejected.
Regional Escalation and Wider Peace Strategy
Just hours before the White House dinner, Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthi ports in Yemen, citing the rebels’ escalating attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The strikes marked another front in the broader regional conflict as Israel faces persistent threats from Iran-aligned groups.
“The fate of Yemen is the same as the fate of Tehran,” said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, referencing last month’s Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Meanwhile, Trump continued efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, announcing an end to decades-long U.S. sanctions on Syria to encourage peace talks between Damascus and Jerusalem. Syria’s new leader, President Ahmed al-Shara, is reportedly engaging in border de-escalation discussions with Israel.
In a symbolic gesture, Netanyahu submitted a letter nominating Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. Trump compared his Iran strike decision to Truman’s dropping of the atomic bomb, declaring, “That stopped a lot of fighting — and this stopped a lot of fighting.”
Despite mounting international skepticism, the Trump-Netanyahu alliance remains focused on redefining Gaza’s future — one they say will bring prosperity, but which critics warn risks deepening displacement, instability, and humanitarian crisis.
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