Trump’s Gaza resettlement scheme gaining traction?
Israel’s far-right minister signals progress on the controversial plan
THE WORLDVIEW
March 10, 2025
PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s controversial Gaza resettlement proposal, initially dismissed by many analysts as implausible, is now being taken more seriously following comments from an Israeli minister who claimed the plan is “taking shape”.
Last month, in the presence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump suggested that neighbouring Arab countries should accept the displaced residents of the Gaza Strip, enabling the US to transform the densely populated area into a major resort hub. The plan was met with swift and vocal opposition from Arab nations, with Jordan and Egypt — both bordering Gaza — rejecting the idea outright, citing their already significant Palestinian populations and inability to absorb more. In addition, numerous countries, including several Western ones, condemned the plan, arguing it violated international law by forcibly relocating populations.
Despite this, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister, has declared that Trump’s proposal was gaining traction. Speaking in the Israeli parliament, Smotrich stated that the plan was “taking shape” and revealed that efforts were underway to establish an organisation tasked with overseeing the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. He expressed his belief that the plan could bring about a historic transformation in the Middle East and benefit Israel.
Smotrich, a staunch supporter of ending the ongoing ceasefire and resuming military action against Hamas, has long advocated for more aggressive measures in the region.
Meanwhile, Arab nations have countered Trump’s plan with their own initiative, a proposal aimed at rebuilding Gaza without displacing its inhabitants. This $50 billion plan received backing from several Muslim and European nations but was quickly rejected by both the US and Israel.
As tensions escalate, Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the suspension of electricity supplies to Gaza, a week after Israel halted all aid shipments to the region. Cohen confirmed the move in a video statement, outlining that Israel would utilize all available measures to ensure that Hamas no longer operates in Gaza.
Additionally, reports have surfaced indicating that Israel is preparing to escalate its actions under the so-called “Hell Plan”, which includes further displacements in northern Gaza, an electricity shutdown, and the resumption of full-scale military operations.
The ongoing conflict, which has left Gaza devastated after more than 15 months of intense fighting, shows no signs of abating, and the international community remains divided on how to address the situation.