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Fact check: Is trump planning a resort development in gaza

Checked on September 26, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, yes, there is substantial evidence that Trump is planning a resort development in Gaza. Multiple sources confirm the existence of a comprehensive postwar plan that envisions transforming Gaza into what has been dubbed the "Gaza Riviera" or "Riviera of the Middle East" [1] [2].

The plan is detailed in a 38-page document that outlines an ambitious redevelopment scheme involving the "voluntary" relocation of Gaza's entire population in exchange for digital tokens [2]. The development would create AI-powered "smart cities" and establish Gaza as both a tourism resort and high-tech manufacturing hub [3] [2] [4]. Notably, the manufacturing component would include a hub named after Elon Musk [2].

The plan involves US trusteeship administration of Gaza for at least 10 years, giving America long-term control over the territory's development [4] [3] [2]. This aligns with Trump's previously stated vision of the US taking "a long-term ownership position" over Gaza [1].

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has publicly confirmed that "a business plan is on President Trump's table" and described Gaza as a potential "real estate bonanza" [1]. This high-level Israeli government endorsement suggests the plan has gained significant political traction and is being actively discussed at the highest levels of government.

The development strategy is formalized under what's called the GREAT Trust plan, which specifically aims to realize Trump's Gaza Riviera vision through mass displacement, artificial intelligence implementation, and US trusteeship [2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several critical aspects missing from the original question. First, this isn't simply a private business venture but a comprehensive geopolitical strategy that involves mass population displacement and long-term US territorial control [3] [2]. The plan requires the "voluntary" relocation of millions of Palestinians, raising significant humanitarian and legal concerns that weren't addressed in the original query.

The development plan extends far beyond tourism, encompassing high-tech manufacturing, AI-powered infrastructure, and digital token economies [2] [3] [4]. This represents a complete economic transformation of the territory rather than a simple resort development.

International legal implications are notably absent from the discussion. The plan involves US trusteeship over occupied territory and population transfer, both of which raise serious questions under international law [4] [3]. The use of terms like "voluntary" relocation (in quotation marks in the sources) suggests potential coercion or questionable consent mechanisms.

The timeline and implementation challenges are also missing. The plan requires at least 10 years of US administration and involves displacing an entire population while simultaneously building new infrastructure [3] [2]. The practical and political feasibility of such an undertaking remains unaddressed.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question, while factually supported, contains significant understatement through omission. By framing this as simply a "resort development," it minimizes the massive geopolitical implications of what amounts to territorial reorganization and population displacement [2].

The question fails to acknowledge that this plan involves fundamental changes to Palestinian demographics and territorial control, presenting it as a straightforward business development rather than a complex political strategy with humanitarian consequences [2] [3].

The framing also obscures the international controversy surrounding the plan. Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich's public promotion of the plan has already generated "international backlash" [1], indicating significant global opposition that the original question doesn't acknowledge.

Additionally, the question doesn't reflect the coercive elements inherent in the plan. The "voluntary" relocation component (consistently placed in quotation marks by sources) suggests that the displacement may not be as voluntary as presented [2] [3].

The characterization as a simple "resort development" also fails to capture the technological and manufacturing components that are equally central to the plan, including AI-powered cities and manufacturing hubs [2] [3] [4].

Want to dive deeper?
What are the current economic development projects in Gaza?
Has the Trump Organization invested in any Middle Eastern resorts?
What are the potential obstacles to building a resort in Gaza?
How would a Trump-owned resort in Gaza affect local employment?
Are there any existing luxury resorts in the Gaza Strip?