Palestinian expatriates in the UAE have strongly condemned a recent statement made by former US President Donald Trump regarding Gaza.
At a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington DC on February 5, Trump proposed that the US take over Gaza, a region ravaged by war, and redevelop it economically after relocating its residents to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan.
His remarks have ignited widespread outrage among Palestinians, with many condemning the plan as an attempt to treat their homeland as a “real estate project.”
Trump, who made his fortune in real estate, described Gaza as a “demolition site” and suggested that it could become “the Riviera of the Middle East,” claiming that the US could create thousands of jobs and make it a place of pride for the entire region.
However, this vision has been met with intense resistance from Palestinian expats in the UAE, who view the proposal as a direct attack on their history, identity, and right to return.
Salma, a Dubai-based media practitioner, expressed her disbelief at Trump’s words. “I wasn’t entirely surprised by what I heard because Trump often sees political crises as opportunities for profit, especially when there’s a potential real estate project involved,” she said.
Salma pointed out that Trump’s son-in-law had previously commented on the value of Gaza’s waterfront property, reinforcing the notion that Trump treats the region as an investment opportunity rather than a place with a deep-rooted history.
The sentiment was echoed by other Palestinian expatriates in the UAE, including Ahmed, a 34-year-old engineer in Dubai.
“This is a disgrace,” he stated. “Trump is attempting to erase our history and force us into exile. We’ve already been displaced, and now he wants to take away the little we have left: our dignity and our homeland.”
Similarly, Lina, a 29-year-old teacher, warned that Trump’s plan would only fuel more instability and suffering, rather than offering a true resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Omar, a 45-year-old shop owner originally from Gaza, condemned the proposal as disrespectful.
“It undermines our rights and reduces our existence to mere political bargaining chips,” he remarked. “We will never accept it. Palestine is our land, and we belong there.”
In response to Trump’s remarks, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its unwavering support for Palestinian rights and its commitment to regional peace.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry reaffirmed the importance of finding a political solution based on the two-state solution, which would establish an independent Palestinian state.
The Ministry also rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians and emphasized the need to halt settlement activities that undermine peace efforts.
Palestinian expats in the UAE have vowed to continue advocating for their cause, stressing the importance of telling their stories and ensuring the world recognizes their rights to their homeland.
The backlash against Trump’s statement highlights the emotional and political stakes surrounding Gaza and the broader Palestinian struggle for self-determination.