ALBAWABA - With an AI-generated animation that shows a reimagined Gaza as a posh Mediterranean resort with golden Trump monuments, upscale resorts, and a busy beachfront, former US President Donald Trump has sparked intense criticism.
Although the video, which was shared on Truth Social, supports Trump's previous "Riviera of the Middle East" idea, Palestinian officials and other foreign figures have harshly criticized it.
Bill O'Reilly, a veteran television personality who had a direct conversation with Trump, backed the idea, saying that Trump's objective is economic growth rather than American occupation. O'Reilly underlined that Trump's plan calls on Saudi Arabia and other affluent Arab countries to assist in Gaza's reconstruction rather than the United States.
An AI-generated Arabic music proclaims, "Donald Trump will free you, bringing life for all," while the video, which has received millions of views, shows future buildings, flying cash, and joyous scenes. "Gaza Trump is finally here—no more tunnels, no more fear!"
But there has been criticism of the video. Trump's proposal disregards Palestinian culture and rights while promoting Gaza's rehabilitation on their own terms, according to Hamas, which denounced the image. The idea was also condemned by Muslim and Arab leaders, who saw it as disrespecting Palestinian sovereignty.
Trump has previously advocated for a permanent evacuation plan, arguing that Palestinians should not return to Gaza after the conflict. "If they have to return now, it'll be years before it's habitable," he said in a Fox News interview.
A development meeting in Gaza was announced by U.S. ambassador Steven Witkoff to talk about long-term reconstruction plans. Witkoff admitted that complete rebuilding may take ten to fifteen years, but he rejected allegations of forced relocation.
The next round of prisoner swaps and hostage exchanges is anticipated to start shortly as Israel and Hamas maintain their tenuous truce. The argument for Gaza's future is far from done, however, as emotions are being heightened by Trump's divisive remarks and the AI-generated video.
