Senator Bernie Sanders has strongly rejected President Donald Trump’s comments regarding the future of Gaza, emphasizing that the war-torn enclave must be rebuilt for Palestinians, not wealthy investors.
On X (formerly Twitter), Sanders highlighted the devastating toll of the Israeli strikes on Gaza, noting that 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 111,000 others have been injured. He responded directly to Trump’s suggestion that Gaza should be developed as a “real estate” project for the future.
Sanders wrote:
“Trump’s response… forcibly expelling Palestinians to turn Gaza into a ‘real estate development for the future, a beautiful piece of land’? No, Gaza must be rebuilt for the Palestinian people, not billionaire tourists.”
Trump’s comments came in response to a question about Palestinians’ right to return to Gaza under his plan, which suggests relocating displaced individuals to safer areas away from the risk zone. Trump had stated:
“We will build safe communities far from the danger zone. I would own this. Think of it as a real estate development for the future, a beautiful piece of land.”
Trump further clarified, saying Palestinians would not have the right to return, arguing that they would have better housing elsewhere.
Trump’s controversial Gaza proposal was presented amidst an ongoing ceasefire that has halted the Israeli offensive in Gaza after 15 months of conflict. The plan has faced international condemnation, with many opposing the idea of Palestinian refugees being relocated to Egypt and Jordan—claims both countries have publicly rejected.
The plan bears similarities to the one presented by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, in March 2024, where Kushner described Gaza’s land as “very valuable” for development, even suggesting it could be “cleaned up” by displacing its residents.
The conflict in Gaza has left the enclave in ruins, with half of its buildings destroyed and nearly 2 million people displaced, facing severe shortages of medical supplies, food, clean water, and sanitation. At least 48,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the Israeli strikes.
