The Trump administration’s reported plan to forcibly relocate up to 1 million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya or Syria is more than a policy proposal—it is a geopolitical earthquake. It signals a dangerous shift toward normalizing permanent ethnic displacement under the guise of reconstruction.
1. What Is Trump’s Gaza “Solution”?
- Mass Deportation: Trump argues that Gaza is no longer livable and suggests relocating its population permanently—starting with Libya and possibly post-Assad Syria.
- Bribing the Host: Libya would receive access to billions in frozen funds in exchange for hosting Palestinians.
- Buying Consent: Trump suggests offering Palestinians housing and stipends to “incentivize” their exile.
- Fantasy Development: He wants to rebuild Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East”—without its native population.
This plan, if implemented, would be a modern-day Nakba, violating international law and the principle of the right to return.
2. Why Are Arab Autocracies Quietly Excited About Trump?
Despite the plan’s explosive nature, many Arab rulers seem eager to embrace Trump again. The enthusiasm—seen even in rumors of Qatar gifting him a “flying palace”—is rooted in narrow, regime-focused interests, not popular will or regional justice.
a. Fear of Public Mobilization and Palestinian Uprisings
Autocratic regimes dread anything that could:
- Inspire protests,
- Reignite Islamic solidarity,
- Or challenge their legitimacy.
By supporting a plan that removes Gaza from the equation, they aim to contain the Palestinian issue—and suppress its contagious moral power.
b. Maintaining Regime Survival
Trump has proven more willing than U.S. Democrats to:
- Turn a blind eye to human rights abuses,
- Ignore crackdowns on dissent,
- Support leaders without conditions.
By backing Trump, Arab rulers hope to secure continued U.S. support without interference in domestic repression.
c. Securing Economic Deals and Investment
Many Arab states see Trump’s transactional approach as an opportunity:
- Defense deals, tech partnerships, and real estate projects tied to Gaza’s reconstruction (minus Palestinians).
- Participation in privatized rebuilding plans, gaining contracts and influence over postwar projects.
d. Countering Iran Without Constraints
Trump’s aggressive stance on Iran—unlike the more cautious Biden approach—aligns with Saudi, Emirati, and Bahraini priorities. Supporting him gives them hope for:
- Renewed pressure on Iran,
- Support for anti-Iran proxies,
- And military cover without U.S. moral lectures.
e. Advancing Normalization With Israel
Trump’s Abraham Accords opened the path for normalization without resolving the Palestinian issue. His return could:
- Let more states join normalization deals,
- Expand economic and intelligence ties with Israel,
- And do so without public accountability for abandoning Palestine.
3. The Consequences
While Arab leaders may chase these short-term gains, the consequences are dire:
- Mass displacement would destabilize the region,
- It would likely lead to long-term insurgency and instability in host countries like Libya or Syria,
- And it would provoke deep popular anger across the Arab world—something no regime can permanently suppress.
4. Final Thought
Arab autocrats may cheer Trump’s return because he offers them protection, profits, and political cover. But embracing a plan that expels Palestinians to foreign deserts is not peace—it is betrayal.
Their silence or complicity will not be forgotten by history—or by their own people.
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