Israeli far-right leaders convened this week to explore the concept of transforming the Gaza Strip into a tourist destination, a proposal emerging amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in the war-torn region.
The meeting, titled “The Riviera in Gaza: From Vision to Reality,” took place within Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset. It was reportedly organized or supported by some of the Knesset’s most hardline members.
Notable attendees included Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and activist Daniella Weiss, known for her advocacy of Jewish settlements in Gaza.
This initiative echoes a previous suggestion made by former U.S. President Donald Trump in February, who proposed developing Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump’s concept involved the relocation of Palestinian residents and placing the territory under American administration.
The proposal has faced significant criticism from Arab nations and Palestinians.For Palestinians, any plan to forcibly remove them from their land is reminiscent of the “Nakba,” or catastrophe, which refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s establishment in 1948.
The discussion about redeveloping Gaza into a tourist resort occurs while a humanitarian crisis continues to unfold in the devastated territory.