Residents of the Gaza Strip have dismissed US President Donald Trump’s vision of creating a “Riviera of the Middle East” in their territory, vowing to rebuild their own restaurants and hotels instead. The plan, which would have emptied Gaza of its population and placed it under US control, was met with widespread condemnation from Palestinians and critics around the world.
Before Israel’s 15-month offensive left Gaza in ruins, the territory had a thriving local tourism scene despite a long blockade. Gaza residents are determined to revive their businesses and restore their community.
“We will rebuild our restaurants and hotels,” said Assad Abu Haseira, owner of a restaurant that plans to reopen before being rebuilt. “There is nothing that cannot be repaired.”
Mohammed Abu Haseira, another restaurant owner, echoed his sentiments, saying the US plan would not work: “Trump has come up with a decision that he wants to establish restaurants, but the restaurants are here and the hotels are here. Why did you destroy them to establish other ones?”
The Gaza Strip’s tourism scene was once popular with Israeli tourists, and even after Hamas took control in 2007, beachside restaurants and cafes remained. Trump’s plan revived an idea previously floated by his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Critics have labeled the scheme as ethnic cleansing and called it illegal under international law. Palestinians see it as a threat to their identity and way of life.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/gazans-tell-trump-they-will-rebuild-their-own-restaurants-hotels-2025-02-07