Examining Perspectives on Lasting Peace and
Development of Gaza Riviera
Pamelia Riviere
Part I
A Trap of Ceasefire Call in Gaza
On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, The Prime Minister of Qatar
announced a significant milestone: a phased agreement has been
achieved between Israel and Hamas, marking a potential end to more
than 460 days of intense warfare and the severe humanitarian crisis
unfolding in Gaza. This announcement has been met with a surge of
relief and joy among many residents of Gaza, who have endured
considerable hardships throughout the conflict.
However, despite this hopeful development, there remains an
undercurrent of fear and apprehension as the region has faced such a
prolonged and brutal period of violence. The ceasefire stipulated in the
agreement is scheduled to take effect on Sunday. Yet, Israel has persisted
in its bombing campaigns and military operations leading up to this date,
raising concerns about the potential for further loss of life and
destruction. While the agreement is expected to offer immediate
humanitarian relief and pave the way for a prisoner exchange, it has also

prompted numerous questions regarding the long-term future of Gaza,
which has been left devastated by the ongoing conflict. Several factors
influenced the successful negotiation of this agreement, notably the
tenacity and resilience of the Palestinian resistance on the ground, which
has demonstrated a significant capacity to withstand and challenge
Israeli military actions.
Additionally, the involvement of Donald Trump, the US president-elect,
has emerged as a critical element in the peace negotiations. Reports
suggest that Trump's envoy exerted extraordinary pressure on Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a strategy that contrasts sharply
with the more restrained approach taken by the current Biden
administration. This unexpected diplomatic engagement from a future
administration may have played a pivotal role in facilitating this
landmark agreement.
However, this world is waiting to see a ceasefire deal that won’t end as a
trap for the Gazans.

Ethnic Cleansing Effort in the West Bank
However, the situation in Palestine remains dire, with recent
developments highlighting the ongoing conflict. In a significant military
operation, Israeli forces have launched an assault in the West Bank,
particularly targeting the volatile city of Jenin. “The United Nations
Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has said the forced

displacement of Palestinians in the northern area of the occupied West
Bank is escalating at an alarming rate, with the number of people
evacuating reaching 40,000 since January”, Al Jazeera reported on
February 11, 2025. The UN says 44 deaths in the occupied West Bank
since January were linked to operations in Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas.
This operation resulted in the deaths of Palestinians, and mass
displacement drew condemnation from various human rights
organizations as a sign of ethnic cleansing in the West Bank.

The Israeli military is intensifying its offensive in the Jenin refugee
camp in the occupied West Bank. It's carried out drone strikes and
deployed more troops to the area. Israeli occupation forces have sealed
off roads, tightened security at checkpoints and arrested more people, as
reported by Al Jazeera.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the action as a
"large-scale and significant military operation," emphasizing its
importance in the context of national security. In the name of counter-
terrorism, Israel is dismembering Jenin and hurting Palestinians.

This escalation of violence follows closely on the heels of a recently
established ceasefire in Gaza, raising concerns about the stability and
prospects for peace in the region. The Israeli security forces, supported
by helicopters, conducted raids throughout Jenin, leading to a series of

detentions and casualties among the Palestinian population. The
continuation of such military operations not only exacerbates tensions
but also deepens the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians in the
West Bank. After the Gaza ceasefire, why is Israel shifting its focus to
annex the West Bank?
The peace believers, free thinkers and pro-Palestinians must think about
it.

Part II
No Two-State Solution Plan: But a False Attempt to Claim Peace
Proposal
The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, particularly regarding
Gaza, is fraught with complexities and challenges, yet it also presents
opportunities for a sustainable peace process. Recently, President
Donald Trump characterized Gaza as a "phenomenal location,"
emphasizing its untapped potential due to its strategic coastal position.
Despite this positive framing, he pointed out the immediate need for
comprehensive reconstruction efforts, likening the current state of Gaza
to a "massive demolition site." This analogy underscores the urgency for
a reconstruction strategy that prioritizes long-term development and
infrastructure revival.

In his remarks, Trump expressed doubts about the durability of Israel's
ceasefire agreement with Hamas, suggesting that the resolution of
ongoing conflicts ultimately rests on the involved parties. He articulated
the necessity for a shift in governance within Gaza, proposing that the
region cannot continue under the leadership of the Iranian-backed
Hamas organization, which he criticized for its governance record. Such
comments imply a desire for new leadership that could facilitate
constructive dialogue and development, addressing the aspirations of the
Palestinian people.
President Donald Trump has expressed considerable skepticism
regarding the durability of the ceasefire deal in Gaza, stating that he is
“not confident” it will endure through its concluding stages. His
awareness of the complexities surrounding the situation is evident in his
remarks.
Trump has also made it clear that he does not support a two-state
solution for Hamas or the Palestinian people. Instead, he appears to be
pursuing a strategy aimed at securing a Nobel Peace Prize by proposing
ambitious plans to rebuild Gaza. Central to his vision is the relocation of
Palestinians, which he suggests could involve moving them to the Negev
region in Israel or potentially facilitating their migration to other
countries, all in the interest of restoring peace to Israel.

During the previous administration, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law
and a prominent figure in shaping Middle East policy, echoed sentiments
about Gaza's potential. In a notable interview at Harvard University,
Kushner spoke extensively about the valuable opportunities presented by
Gaza's waterfront properties, suggesting that focusing on rebuilding
could significantly improve the region's economic prospects. He
lamented the historical misallocation of resources, where significant
funding has gone into tunnel construction and armaments, rather than
investment in education and innovation, crucial pillars for a thriving
community.

Moreover, Kushner addressed the sensitive issue of civilian
displacement during the proposed reconstruction phase. He suggested
that if Israel were to engage in a significant reconstruction effort, it
might be necessary to explore options for temporarily relocating
civilians. This notion, described as leveraging diplomacy to achieve safe
transitions, indicates an understanding of the complex humanitarian
implications, highlighting a need for careful planning and sensitivity
toward the lives and needs of those affected.

Kushner specifically mentioned moving civilians from Gaza to the
Negev desert, proposing that this could provide a secure area for those
displaced during the rebuilding process. He implicated that engaging in

diplomatic discussions could facilitate this transition while also
promoting a vision in which long-term stability would benefit both Israel
and the Palestinians. His goal would be to “clean up” the region
efficiently while ensuring that affected individuals have a pathway to
return when it is safe and appropriate.

During the recent discussions with the Jordanian King Abdullah and
others, Trump provided insight into his views on the urban landscape of
Gaza, labelling it as “like a massive demolition site.” He elaborated on
his impressions, stating that the area is in dire need of major
redevelopment, suggesting a visionary renovation. He noted the
geographic advantages of Gaza, highlighting its coastal location and
favourable weather conditions, asserting immense potential for creating
“beautiful things” that could significantly enhance the prospects for the
region.
On February 11, 2025, King Abdullah found himself in a challenging
position during a meeting with Trump. The conversation primarily
centered around Trump’s proposal for the United States to take control
of Gaza, with plans for Palestinians to be relocated to Jordan and Egypt.

The removal of civilians from Gaza is indeed a critical issue that could
significantly exacerbate tensions in the region. Historically, such actions
have not only displaced populations but have also deepened grievances

and resentment, making it more challenging to achieve lasting peace.
When civilians are uprooted, it can lead to a cycle of violence and
retaliation, as those affected may feel a sense of injustice and alienation.
Furthermore, addressing the humanitarian needs of the population is
essential for building trust between communities and fostering
reconciliation. Any long-term solution must consider the rights and
needs of civilians to avoid exacerbating the conflict's existing
complexities and promote a more sustainable peace process.

These discussions highlight a potentially new approach to dealing with
the complexities of Gaza, pointing to the need for a dual focus: meeting
immediate humanitarian needs and fostering an environment conducive
to sustainable development and long-lasting peace. Engaging various
stakeholders in these discussions is crucial to providing a comprehensive
solution that addresses both the security concerns of Israel and the
aspirations of the Palestinian people for self-determination and
prosperity.
As dialogues surrounding Gaza's future continue, it is imperative to
consider the intricate balance between strategic interests and
humanitarian imperatives. This type of discourse can contribute to the
development of effective policies that aim to resolve immediate tensions
and lay the groundwork for a stable and prosperous future for all parties
involved in a two-state solution.

Arab Nations Rejected Trump's Call to Relocate Palestinians from
Gaza
The recent shift of the Palestinian people to Egypt and Jordan has
created a new challenge for Trump, as the Arab countries do not support
his displacement plan or the construction of a riviera in Gaza.

Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the President of Egypt, expressed his condemnation
of the suggested resettlement of Palestinian people, labelling it as a
profound injustice. This statement came in response to U.S. President
Donald Trump’s repeated calls for Egypt and Jordan to consider
accepting residents from Gaza amid rising tensions. El-Sisi emphasized
the need for Arab unity in support of a just cause, urging regional
leaders to stand together against displacement efforts.

King Abdullah II of Jordan firmly rejected Trump’s controversial plan,
which aimed to resettle Palestinians in Jordan as part of a broader
strategy to 'take over Gaza' and initiate extensive redevelopment in the
enclave. He underscored Jordan's longstanding position on the
Palestinian issue, highlighting the rights of Palestinians to their
homeland.
The Saudi Ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, also
weighed in on the situation, noting that Trump’s approach has notably

shifted the dynamics surrounding Gaza. In a recent interview, the UK
ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, emphasized his
country's unwavering stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, firmly
advocating for a two-state solution as the only viable pathway to peace.
He articulated that Saudi Arabia would "welcome" the development of a
Gaza Riviera but underscored that such initiatives could not occur at the
expense of displacing Palestinians from their land. Prince Khalid
highlighted the urgent need for Gaza to initiate a comprehensive cleanup
and establish a robust peace mechanism to facilitate stability in the
region.
He reiterated the significance of adhering to the 1967 borders, asserting
that East Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of Palestine. The
ambassador called for a collaborative effort between Israeli and
Palestinian leaders to reach a mutual agreement that honours this
framework, thereby paving the way for sustainable peace and
coexistence.
Trump has threatened to withhold U.S. financial aid to both Jordan and
Egypt if they do not acquiesce to his Gaza development plan, raising
concerns about the potential fallout of such a move on regional stability
and relations.
The ongoing discussion highlights the complexities and sensitivities
surrounding the Palestinian issue and the broader geopolitical
implications of proposed resettlement plans, two-state solutions, and the

pursuit of justice and fairness for Palestinians, aiming for lasting peace
in the Middle East.
Dr. Pamelia Riviere is a freelance writer and analyst