Palestinian expatriates in the UAE have firmly denounced U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that the United States intends to assume control over the war-torn Gaza Strip, proposing economic redevelopment following the displacement of its Palestinian residents. Expressing deep outrage, they rejected the notion of their homeland being reduced to a mere “real estate project,” emphasizing that such a proposal disregards their historical ties, rights, and sovereignty.
During a joint press conference in Washington, D.C., alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former U.S. President Donald Trump referred to Gaza as a “demolition site” and proposed the relocation of over two million Palestinians to neighboring nations as a long-term solution.
Like many Palestinian expatriates, Dubai-based media professional Salma, 34, expressed strong disapproval of any potential US control over Gaza. Speaking to Khaleej Times, she voiced her frustration, stating, “I wasn’t entirely shocked by the news this morning (February 5), as Trump has a history of capitalizing on political crises, especially when there’s a prospect of personal or financial gain. His son-in-law had previously hinted at Gaza’s prime waterfront real estate, describing it as ‘very valuable,’ which only reinforces the notion that such interests could be at play.”
Donald Trump, a billionaire renowned for transforming the real estate landscape, built his empire by revitalizing and developing iconic skyscrapers, luxury hotels, world-class casinos, and premier golf courses. Leveraging his expertise in high-stakes business, he has now strategically appointed fellow New York real estate magnate and billionaire Steve Witkoff as his special envoy to the Middle East, signaling a move that blends financial acumen with diplomatic influence.
Salma criticized Trump’s approach, stating that he has consistently disregarded international organizations and legal frameworks. She described his administration’s latest declaration as yet another audacious move in a pattern of dismissing global norms and governance.
Will the world remain silent once again as he takes action, just as they did during his first term when he recognized Jerusalem and the Golan Heights as Israeli territory? My deepest concern lies in this very question. This time, I hope the global community will rise, take a stand, and actively intervene rather than passively witnessing history repeat itself.
Donald Trump envisioned a transformative future for Gaza, a narrow coastal strip spanning approximately 45 km in length and 10 km in width. He expressed his ambitious plan to revitalize the region by fostering economic growth, generating thousands of employment opportunities, and positioning it as a source of pride for the entire Middle East. Highlighting its untapped potential, he described Gaza as a future global hub, with the promise of evolving into “The Riviera of the Middle East”—a thriving, world-class destination that could redefine its regional significance.
Our History Matters – Don’t Erase It
Trump’s proposal, lacking specific details, implies relocating Gaza’s residents to neighboring nations like Egypt and Jordan while the U.S. undertakes redevelopment efforts in the region. This suggestion has sparked widespread condemnation across the Arab world, particularly among Palestinian communities in the UAE, who perceive it as a direct challenge to their national identity and an infringement on their fundamental right to return.
Ahmed, a 34-year-old engineer based in Dubai, voiced his profound disappointment over the proposed plan, denouncing it as an outright injustice. Speaking to Khaleej Times, he expressed his anguish, stating, “This is an utter disgrace. Trump is not only trying to erase our heritage but also attempting to push us further into displacement. We have already endured so much, and now he seeks to strip away the last remnants of what we hold dear—our dignity and our homeland.”
Lina, a 29-year-old educator, shared her perspective with deep conviction, stating that relocating them from Gaza is not a viable solution. “This initiative fails to address the core issues. Displacement will neither end the occupation nor alleviate our suffering; instead, it will deepen instability and intensify resentment,” she asserted, emphasizing the profound impact such a move would have on her people.
Palestinian expatriates in the UAE have strongly denounced the proposed resolution for Gaza, emphasizing the profound emotional and political complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Trump’s initiative promotes economic growth and resettlement as pathways to peace, Palestinians contend that such measures would exacerbate tensions rather than alleviate them. They advocate for a holistic and just resolution rooted in social equity and self-determination, ensuring the protection of their fundamental rights and fostering a sustainable, fair future for their people.
The Land We Call Home
Omar, a 45-year-old shop owner hailing from Gaza, expressed strong disapproval of Trump’s proposed takeover, cautioning that such a move could have unintended consequences. Describing it as both offensive and dismissive, he emphasized that the plan not only disregards the fundamental rights of Palestinians but also reduces their identity to a mere tool for political negotiation. “We will never accept this,” he asserted firmly. “Palestine is our homeland—it is where we rightfully belong.”
Anwar Awni Sunallah, who relocated from Gaza to Dubai in 2012, strongly condemned the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing that it constitutes a blatant violation of international law.
Trump’s recent statement comes as no surprise, as it merely reinforces the strategies he has pursued for years. In many ways, his declaration echoes the historical precedent set by the 1917 Balfour Declaration, in which British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour endorsed the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
Anwar recounted how that proclamation triggered a large-scale displacement of Palestinians, ultimately leading to the Nakba—the catastrophic expulsion and ethnic cleansing of Palestine in 1948. “Our family once resided in Yafa, now known as Tel Aviv, but in 1948, we were compelled to flee and seek refuge in Gaza,” he shared, highlighting the profound impact of this historical upheaval.
Since 1948, displacement has been a relentless reality, unfolding daily and reshaping countless lives. This ongoing struggle demands unwavering attention, as silence only enables its continuation. It is imperative to keep sharing these stories, ensuring that the world remains aware and accountable. There can be no justification for inaction—decisive steps must be taken to put an end to this conflict once and for all, restoring peace and reclaiming the land that rightfully belongs to its people.
The UAE reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to fostering regional peace and stability while steadfastly advocating for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) emphasized on Wednesday the critical need to establish a meaningful political framework to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, advocating for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. This stance aligns with the UAE’s firm belief that lasting regional stability can only be achieved through a two-state solution, underscoring the necessity of diplomatic efforts to foster peace and security in the region.
The Ministry firmly reiterated its unequivocal stance against any violation of the Palestinians’ fundamental rights, emphasizing its absolute opposition to any form of displacement. It underscored the urgent need to cease all settlement activities, warning that such actions not only jeopardize regional stability but also erode the prospects for lasting peace and harmonious coexistence.
