The Trump Plan for Gaza: Diplomatic Solution or Political Illusion?

“More evil years will come,

and they will make us more blind.

More blind years will come,

and they will make us more evil.

More sad years will come,

and they will make us colder,

and make us drier,

and they will make us more crooked.”

Rafael Sánchez Ferlosio (1993)

I believe that the beginning of this year can be described as "peculiar". The international order, particularly the role of the US on the global stage, is taking an unexpected turn. The Trump administration is characterized by a social crisis fueled by new immigration policies and restrictions on the LGBTQ+ community, especially those targeting transgender individuals. Additionally, there are new protectionist tariff measures being implemented. We are witnessing a US that seeks to renew its image, politics, and ideals.

Among the executive orders and various statements made by President Donald Trump, one in particular caught my attention. Trump suggested that the United States should take control of the Gaza Strip to facilitate its reconstruction. This proposal would involve the forced deportation of Gaza's two million residents to Egypt and Jordan (Amnesty International, 2025).

President Trump's proposal aims to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, transforming it into a U.S.-controlled real estate and tourism project. This plan suggests the mobilization of Palestinians, either voluntarily or involuntarily, to neighboring countries like Egypt or Jordan. It is important to note that, according to international law, the forced displacement of civilians is prohibited and classified as a war crime in both international and non-international armed conflicts, as stated by the International Organization for Migration.

Currently, Gaza is largely uninhabitable, a situation resulting from the bombings and violence that millions of civilians have endured for over a year.

Following the ceasefire established through agreements between the State of Israel and Palestine, the population should have the opportunity to rebuild their homes and recover. Instead, they face the fear of being displaced and losing their territory.

This plan was rejected by the international community due to the careless way a declaration of such significance was approached. Given the current world agenda marked by significant conflicts, this declaration has been perceived as an encouragement to persist in using violence and following the imperialist values included in the narrative of the new US administration. However, I believe it is essential to reevaluate the feasibility of implementing this plan.

Trump has begun his administration with a determined, aggressive, and provocative attitude. This was evident during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which was characterized by disrespect and insolence. Another example of this aggressive stance can be seen in his imperialistic comments about the Panama Canal, Greenland, and now Gaza. These remarks indicate a significant degree of strategic uncertainty and profound incoherence. It appears that Trump and his administration may not fully understand the long-term consequences of their actions and statements.

Photo by Mohammed Abubakr via Pexels

As Yakov Ben-Haim (2015) explains, strategic uncertainty refers to the gap between what one knows and what one needs to know to make informed decisions. The Trump administration's plan to seize Gaza seems to reflect this uncertainty. They envision what Gaza could become if it were developed into the “Riviera of the Middle East,” believing this transformation would bring peace to the region. However, they seem to overlook two crucial factors.

First, the potential impact of this plan on negotiations for the return of hostages held by Hamas must be considered. As stated in the Jerusalem Post (2025), “If Hamas concludes that Trump is serious about his transfer plans, it might decide not only to refuse to negotiate another round of the agreement but might stop the implementation of the current round.” Within Israeli society, some circles prioritize the recovery of hostages, making Trump’s plan potentially counterproductive to one of the Israeli government's main concerns: the lives of the hostages held by Hamas. Second, the Arab community universally rejects the plan for the Gaza Strip, which could escalate tensions in the region and diminish the viability of achieving a two-state solution.

Regardless of whether the Gaza plan is implemented, it is crucial for the international community to remain firm and unified in support of freedom, equality, human dignity, and peace. We are currently facing challenges that test the strength of our society and its universal values. Social progress and global peace are under threat. For this reason, we must learn from the mistakes of our past and stay informed, as tyrants thrive in an environment of ignorance.

References

1- Amnesty International (2025, February 6). Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory: President Trump's statement that the U.S. will take control of Gaza and deport the Palestinian population is not only deplorable but illegal. https://www.amnesty.org/es/latest/news/2025/02/israel-opt-president-trumps-claim-that-us-will-take-over-gaza-and-forcibly-deport-palestinians-appalling-and-unlawful/

2- Trump and Netanyahu's plan to turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.” (n. d.). https://www.es.amnesty.org/en-que-estamos/blog/historia/articulo/el-plan-de-trump-y-netanyahu-para-convertir-gaza-en-la-riviera-de-oriente-medio/

3- Rolef, B. S. H. (2025, 10 febrero). Trump's Gaza plan could solve the Middle East's problems. The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-841354

4- Yakov Ben-Haim, "Dealing with Uncertainty in Strategic Decision-making," Parameters 45, no. 3 (2015), doi:10.55540/0031-1723.2743.

5- International Organization for Migration. (n. d.). International Organization For Migration. https://www.iom.int/es/terminos-fundamentales-sobre-migracion

Editor (2024, November 7).

6- The Keys to Donald Trump's Speech After His Election Victory. The Keys to Donald Trump's Speech After His Election Victory. https://www.trtespanol.com/eeuu-y-canada/las-conclusiones-clave-del-discurso-de-victoria-de-trump-14932390