US President Donald Trump has shared an AI-generated video on his Truth Social account. The video promotes his vision of transforming Gaza into a luxury resort. It features surreal imagery, including a golden statue of Trump, billionaire Elon Musk eating hummus, and world leaders lounging on a beach.
The video opens with Palestinian children walking through rubble. It then transitions to a developed Gaza skyline. A voice sings, “Donald’s coming to set you free,” while the visuals depict a futuristic coastline. The video also includes bearded belly dancers, people throwing money, and Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drinking by the beach.
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Trump has proposed expelling 2.1 million Palestinians from Gaza and transforming the territory into a resort under US ownership. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has condemned the plan, calling it a violation of international law.
Palestinian Reactions to Trump’s Proposal
The PA’s foreign minister, Varsen Aghabekian Shaheen, rejected the proposal. He referred to past Palestinian displacement, stating, “We have tried displacement before, and it will not happen again.”
The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) also dismissed the video. Wassel Abu Yousuf, a senior PLO member, called it “a clowning gimmick” and declared, “There will not be resorts or Middle East Riviera.”
Gaza’s Hamas-run Government Media Office also condemned the video. Director-General Ismail Al-Thawabtah called it “disgraceful” and accused it of “justifying the occupation’s crimes.”
Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim told Newsweek, “The people of Gaza are looking forward to the day when they see Gaza rebuilt.” He added, “We are not struggling to improve prison conditions, but to get rid of the prison and the jailer.”
Arab Nations Formulate Alternative Plan
Arab leaders met in Riyadh to discuss an alternative plan for Gaza. Egypt has taken the lead in proposing a three-year reconstruction project estimated to cost $20 billion.
- UAE Position: A senior UAE official emphasised the need for a “bold” reconstruction plan with a path to Palestinian statehood.
- Egypt’s Stand: Egyptian Minister of Investment Hassan El Khatib reaffirmed, “The right for the Palestinians to live on their own land is a principle.”
- Jordan and Saudi Arabia: Leaders from both nations have voiced concerns over forced displacement and rejected Trump’s ownership plan.
Arab leaders will meet in Cairo on March 4 to finalise an alternative reconstruction plan. Their proposal will be presented to Trump at a later date. The upcoming meeting in Cairo will determine the region’s next steps in response to Trump’s controversial vision.
Trump’s Statements and Global Reactions
Trump initially faced strong opposition from Egypt and Jordan. He later told Fox News, “The way to do it is my plan… But I’m not forcing it.”
Netanyahu has endorsed Trump’s plan, rejecting the possibility of an independent Palestinian state.
A CNN poll found that only 13% of Americans support Trump’s proposal. In contrast, 58% consider it a “bad thing.”
Signs of AI Manipulation in Video
The AI-generated video contains visible distortions. One scene shows Elon Musk eating bread with six fingers on one hand. Another depicts bearded belly dancers in bikinis. The video appears to have been downloaded from Rumble, a platform popular among right-wing users.
Critics argue that the video attempts to reshape the narrative of Gaza’s destruction. Palestinian leaders assert that the focus should be on rebuilding the region without forced displacement.
Challenges in Rebuilding Gaza
Rebuilding Gaza requires extensive efforts:
- Clearing unexploded munitions and debris
- Restoring power and water infrastructure
- Rebuilding schools, hospitals, and businesses
An analysis noted that Trump, a former property developer, has proposed resettling Palestinians outside Gaza. The report criticised his approach, stating that displaced Palestinians should remain near their homeland.
The plan aims to balance reconstruction efforts with Palestinian self-determination. It seeks international support while addressing humanitarian concerns. Arab nations remain firm on rejecting any forced displacement or foreign ownership of Gaza.
