Can Gaza Strip Desired by Trump Be Redeveloped as a Tourist Destination? [AK Radio]

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U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed a groundbreaking plan to take over the Gaza Strip and develop it into a world-class resort, causing a significant stir in the Middle East. This statement, made amid heightened tensions due to the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, is expected to introduce a new variable into the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape. Middle East experts express concerns that this proposal could trigger new conflicts within the region.

President Trump stated at a press conference following a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the 4th local time, "We will relocate the residents of the Gaza Strip to neighboring Middle Eastern countries and develop the area into the Riviera of the Middle East." The term "Riviera" refers to a coastal region densely packed with luxury resorts, indicating a development plan that leverages the geographical advantages of the Gaza Strip. He further added that the deployment of U.S. troops might be considered if necessary, intensifying the controversy. This touches on the sensitive issues of ownership and governance of the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Strip covers an area of 365 square kilometers, roughly half the size of Seoul, and is comparable in size to Sejong City. It borders Israel to the northeast and Egypt to the southwest. Situated along the Mediterranean coast, this area has historically served as a gateway connecting Egypt and the Middle East and has been the stage for numerous wars. It is also famously known in the Christian Bible as the place where Samson died. Boasting a mild climate and beautiful coastline, the region has been recognized as a resort destination since the 19th century. It is regarded as a unique area combining geopolitical importance with excellent natural conditions.

Until 1948, before the outbreak of the First Arab-Israeli War, it was a small area with a population of about 80,000, but it has since grown into a metropolitan area with over 2.5 million residents. After Israel occupied it following the 1967 Six-Day War, it came under the Palestinian Authority in 1993, with Hamas later taking effective control. Israel has completely blockaded the area from the coastal zone to the Egyptian border, earning the Gaza Strip the notorious label of "the world's largest prison." This blockade has been a significant obstacle to the region's economic development.

Despite these constraints, the Gaza Strip boasts relatively high educational enthusiasm and economic levels within the Middle East. The university enrollment rate is high, and many young people work across the border in Israeli IT companies and large corporations. As a result, there is a considerable number of high-income earners, and the urban area features luxury hotels, villas, and apartment complexes. Although there is a wealth gap, the overall economic level is favorable compared to neighboring Middle Eastern countries. Particularly, achievements in education are regarded as a key driver of regional development.

In 2011, Hamas attracted capital to build the five-star Al Mashtal Hotel, which was later acquired and operated by a Spanish company. Numerous luxury hotels and casinos were established along the coast, but frequent clashes limited sustained development. Recent conflicts have caused significant damage to tourism infrastructure, including the collapse of the Al Mashtal Hotel. Investments through the Palestinian Authority and international aid have contributed to regional development, but unstable conditions have prevented long-term success. Attempts to develop the tourism industry have been made, but political instability has always been a hindrance.

President Trump's remarks align with comments made last March by his son-in-law and former White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, who noted the high development value of the Gaza Strip's coastal area. Within Israel, there have been consistent opinions that the area holds great potential as a resort once political stability is achieved. Trump's business perspective as a successful real estate developer appears to resonate with this view. Especially since Kushner comes from a Jewish family, it is suggested that Israeli interests may have influenced the proposal. Analysts widely believe that close cooperation with Israel underpins the development plan.

However, the proposal faces significant challenges in terms of feasibility. The biggest issue is the relocation of the 2.5 million residents. Egypt, often cited as a potential host country, recently surpassed a population of 100 million and is implementing birth control policies. The population surged from 20 to 25 million in 1948 to the current level, causing severe demographic pressure. Other Middle Eastern countries are also reluctant to accept refugees due to economic difficulties and population issues. There are concerns that a large influx of refugees could trigger political instability within host countries. Particularly, refugee acceptance is considered a matter requiring cautious approach due to the substantial socioeconomic burden it imposes on the host nation.

Experts point to the example of Turkey during the 2014 Syrian civil war, which accepted 4 million refugees in exchange for hundreds of billions of dollars in annual support from the European Union, suggesting that without substantial economic compensation, it will be difficult to gain cooperation from neighboring countries. However, it remains uncertain whether the U.S. can bear such a massive financial burden. There are calls for international cooperation and financial support to accommodate refugees.

Arab League countries, including Saudi Arabia, strongly oppose this proposal. The White House has attempted to downplay the issue, stating that "this is not a concrete plan and there is no plan for U.S. troop deployment." Experts note that this idea contradicts the "two-state solution" recognizing Palestine as an independent state, which was proposed during the first Trump administration, and could provoke international criticism as an illegal occupation of a weaker nation's territory. Officially, the Gaza Strip is under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian Authority, and unilateral U.S. takeover could pose legal issues under international law. There are concerns that this could undermine principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity in the Middle East.

There are also worries that the Middle East withdrawal policy pursued for over a decade since the Obama administration could be nullified. Occupying the Gaza Strip would inevitably require a large-scale U.S. military presence, meaning the U.S. could be drawn back into the Middle Eastern turmoil with the deployment of hundreds of thousands of troops. Domestic opposition to renewed Middle East involvement is expected. This issue could bring significant changes to U.S. foreign policy direction and military strategy.

The Gaza Strip, which was gradually stabilizing following a recently reached ceasefire agreement, now faces new uncertainties due to President Trump's remarks. The international community is closely watching whether this proposal will translate into actual policy or serve as a shock tactic to seek new solutions. It is a critical time for the international community to reach a new consensus for peace and development in the Gaza Strip. Experts emphasize that a comprehensive solution considering the views of all stakeholders is essential for regional stability and progress.