by Mick the Ram

US President Donald Trump has caused yet more controversy by now proposing to take ownership of the Gaza Strip, permanently “resettle” all Palestinians elsewhere, and in his own words: “turn it into the Riviera of the Middle East”.

He made his outrageous suggestion in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, who unsurprisingly felt the idea was “worth paying attention to”.

Mr Trump claimed that “everyone loves the idea” and that the US would “create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area.”

He failed to recognise that it would in fact represent a form of ethnic cleansing and it has met with widespread disapproval from governments across the globe, including the likes of the UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE and Spain; as well as the leaders of the Taliban and Hamas.

Vague on the potential occupants

The US president has previously said that neighbouring nations could take in displaced Palestinians from Gaza, although the suggestion has been flatly rejected by Arab nations.

When asked who might actually live on the Strip should he take ownership, Mr Trump was less forthcoming than with some of his other more recent ideas. He simply said: “People, the world’s people, including Palestinians.”

World-class rebuild

Speaking with Mr Netanyahu alongside him in the White House, the president gave his vision for the US rebuilding Gaza from its current ruins and creating an “international, unbelievable place” of huge potential, adding that it was an opportunity to “do something phenomenal.”

He said that they would make sure that it would be a “world class” build which he knew would be “wonderful”, before making another controversial statement, saying: “I have a feeling that the King in Jordan and that Egypt will open their hearts and give us the kind of land that we need to get this done, and people can live in harmony and peace.”

Israel’s backing

Mr Netanyahu definitely appeared open to the idea, insisting that his priority is to ensure that the territory is no longer a danger to their country.

He added that Mr Trump “sees a different future for Gaza” which he felt was something that could change history.

Plan not shared beforehand

The proposal amounts to the most radical upending in the established US position on Israel and Palestine in the recent history of the conflict; and will be seen as flying in the face of international law.

The president is calling it a humanitarian gesture, inferring that there is no alternative because Gaza is, in his own words, a “demolition site”.

It is understood that the president kept his Gaza plan secret from his own administration officials and the first they heard of it was when Mr Trump revealed it in front of Mr Netanyahu.

Likely to be blocked by international law

However, on this occasion he may have overlooked a vital factor, and that is under international law, any attempts to forcibly transfer populations are strictly prohibited.

Both Palestinians and other Arab nations will see this as a clear proposal aimed at their expulsion and in effect, amount to nothing short of ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians from their historic land.

Condemnation from world leaders

There was widespread condemnation of the plan from world leaders, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer insisting that Palestinians must be allowed to rebuild; a sentiment echoed by France, Spain and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan called the idea: “wrong and absurd” and a senior figure in the UAE’s political circles went even further when remarking that the proposal was “probably the most stupid idea that came from Washington in years.”

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney called Mr Trump’s idea “unacceptable and dangerous”, before making the very valid point: “there must be no ethnic cleansing”.

Fanning the flames of violence

The Taliban’s foreign ministry issued a strong statement: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers it a blatant violation of international law – influential nations and bodies advocating for justice worldwide should adopt a unified, pragmatic and timely position against such a conspiracy.”

Finally and maybe most importantly, Hamas warned that it will “fan the flames of violence in the Middle East”.

They said that such remarks were irresponsible and was “hostile to our people and our cause, and will not benefit stability in the region”, before calling on the Arab League and United Nations to hold urgent meetings to take a “strong stance” to preserve Palestinian rights.