PNN – Considering the distance between the idea of ”occupying Gaza” and reality, Trump may use this issue as a propaganda tool for his political goals, but it seems that even proposing this idea with carelessness and recklessness in its costs, damages his financial and political capital and credibility.
In a situation where the ceasefire in Gaza is in a shaky state and the future of this area is facing many uncertainties, “Donald Trump” by proposing the idea of evicting the residents and taking over this area, has not only provoked the anger of the Palestinians and Arab countries, but has also faced a wave of opposition even inside the United States.
This idea has raised important questions: What is Trump’s real goal with this plan? Is this idea just a publicity stunt, or does he really intends to make such a move? What are the obstacles and challenges facing this policy and what will be its possible consequences for America?
In this report, we will have a detailed look at Trump’s motives, the consequences of implementing this plan for the American government, the obstacles ahead, and the opposition of the American political community.
Trump’s motives for occupying Gaza
Donald Trump’s proposed plan to take over the Gaza Strip does not just seem like an impractical and unconventional idea, but behind it lies a set of political, economic and ideological motives.
American analysts examine these motives in four general categories:
1- Searching for a historical victory in foreign policy
Trump has always sought to create achievements that will record his name in history. In the first term of his presidency, he introduced the so-called “Ibrahim Accords” plan as the high point of his Middle East policy; An agreement that normalized relations between several Arab countries and the Zionist regime. But this agreement, compared to the long-standing goal of the Republicans to solve the Palestinian issue, was a half-baked and limited plan.
With this frame of mind in mind, it seems that Trump intends to use this plan as a project to cement his legacy in the history of American foreign policy. He and his advisers probably think that if they can get Gaza out of Hamas hands and rebuild it in a new way; they will have a great success on their record. Analysts believe that Trump is trying to come up with an even bigger plan than the Ibrahim Accords, which could position him as the new architect of the Middle East order.
2- Economic motives and looking at Gaza as a business opportunity
Before being a politician, Trump was a businessman and real estate investor. The legacy of Trump’s first term shows that he sees the world not through a diplomatic lens, but through the lens of investment opportunities. Despite the war and extensive destruction, the Gaza Strip has a unique geographical position: Long beaches along the Mediterranean Sea, strategic location between Africa and Asia, and the possibility of becoming a business or tourism center in case of extensive investment.
Many believe that Trump is likely to see the Gaza Strip as a massive reconstruction project that could attract billions of dollars in investment. He may even imagine that the countries of the Persian Gulf, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, will welcome this idea and invest in it.
3- Supporting Israel and eliminating security threats
One of the most important components of Trump’s Middle East policy is his unconditional support for the Zionist regime. From moving the American embassy to Jerusalem to supporting the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, Trump’s policies have always been aimed at strengthening the Israeli right-wing positions.
It is true that such an approach will complicate the problem more than it solves it. Experience has shown that any attempt to eliminate a political-military actor in the Middle East usually leads to the emergence of new and even more radical groups. Therefore, the complete suppression of Hamas and the displacement of Gaza residents can lead to the formation of new resistance movements that will continue to fight against the Israeli regime with more motivation.
4- Getting the support of right-wing Christian lobbies in America
Both in the first term of the presidency and in the most recent one, Trump have shown that he cares a lot about the opinions and ideas of powerful evangelical Christian lobbies. This group of right-wing Christians, who have significant influence in the Republican Party, deeply believe in the idea of a “Greater Israel” and Jewish domination of the Palestinian territories.
According to many evangelicals, Israel plays a key role in the fulfillment of religious prophecies about the return of Christ. For this reason, they support any plan that strengthens Israel’s position and weakens the Palestinians.
Although the plan to take over Gaza is presented as an economic or security project, it is actually a response to the expectations of these religious groups. In this regard, Trump is trying to present his plan for Gaza not only as a geopolitical act, but also as a religious mission to his evangelical followers.
The objections of the American political community to Trump’s plan
Apart from foreign opposition, Donald Trump’s plan to take over the Gaza Strip and relocate its residents has also faced widespread opposition within the United States. In the following, some American people and organizations against this plan and their arguments will be discussed:
1- Legislators of Congress
The most important opponents of the plan to purchase Gaza are some members of the American Congress.
Sen. Bernie Sanders: This Democratic senator strongly criticized Trump’s plan, emphasizing that while he is talking about deporting 2.2 million Palestinians to build a place for the rich, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed and Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed. We in Congress are trying to rebuild Gaza for the Palestinian people, not for billionaires.
Senator Lindsey Graham: This Republican senator and one of Trump’s supporters described the plan to take over Gaza as problematic and stated that the idea of the presence of American forces in Gaza is unacceptable to any senator.
Rep. Rashida Talib: This Democratic congressman and a staunch critic of Trump has condemned his plan as “ethnic cleansing” and stated that this proposal is a clear violation of human rights.
2- Human rights organizations
Apart from the members of the Congress, some human rights organizations in the US have also opposed the plan to buy Gaza.
Human Rights Watch: “Omar Shaker”, director of the Israel and Palestine department of this organization, emphasizes that the displacement of Palestinians from their land is a moral sin, and according to international humanitarian laws, the forced displacement of the population in the occupied territories is prohibited. He emphasizes that large-scale forced displacement can be considered a war crime or a crime against humanity.
A coalition of social justice organizations: More than 90 American and international organizations have signed a joint statement condemning Trump’s statement and describing it as an open call for ethnic cleansing. They emphasize that the forced displacement of Palestinians is a clear violation of human rights and international law.
3- Political analysts and experts
Some analysts and political experts in America have also expressed their opposition to Trump’s plan to buy the Gaza Strip.
“Richard Haas”, head of the Council on Foreign Relations: In an analysis, he emphasizes that Trump’s plan is not only impractical, but it can lead to increasing tensions in the Middle East and weakening America’s position in the world.
“Steven Cook”, an expert at the Council on Foreign Relations: In an article titled “Trump’s Gaza Plan: Pure Madness”, he described this idea as not only far from moral principles, but pure madness.