Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has characterized the Gaza Strip as a 'real estate bonanza,' claiming that he is in discussions with the United States about plans to divide the territory following the recent conflict—an idea that has garnered widespread international condemnation.
Speaking at an event in Tel Aviv, Smotrich stated, We've done the demolition phase... Now we need to build, referring to the destruction caused by Israel's military actions. In February, former President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. could take a 'long-term ownership position' over Gaza, envisioning its development into a high-end tourist destination.
International law deems the suggested transfer of ownership and the forced displacement of Palestinians as illegal, raising serious ethical concerns. The U.S. and Israeli positions suggest that any emigration would be 'voluntary,' but local and international reactions suggest otherwise.
Smotrich's remarks come in the context of a military operation that has devastated Gaza, with reports indicating that 92% of housing units have suffered damage. The United Nations estimates a reconstruction cost of approximately $53.2 billion over the next decade.
As the discourse around Gaza shifts toward economic development, Smotrich emphasizes the profitability of the land, stating, We paid a lot of money for this war, reflecting a controversial stance amidst ongoing humanitarian crises faced by the Palestinian population.
The suggestion to transform Gaza into a U.S.-administered trusteeship has surfaced again, raising concerns about the potential implications of long-term foreign governance, at a time when the region is in dire need of restoration and healing.
Israel's military engagement in Gaza commenced following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. As Israeli tactics have drawn severe criticism, the future of Gaza remains uncertain, caught in the balance of international diplomacy, local resistance, and corporate interests.
