U.S. President Donald Trump’s audacious plan to “own” Gaza, displace its 2 million Palestinians, and redevelop it into a “Middle East Riviera” has unleashed a firestorm across the region. On February 21, 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convened an urgent, closed-door summit in Riyadh with leaders from Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan to counter this proposal. Arab nations, staunch advocates of a two-state solution, have united in fierce opposition, with Jordan’s King Abdullah warning it could plunge the region into “chaos.” Hamas official Ezzat El Rashq doubled down, declaring Gaza “not for sale” as tensions soar.
BREAKING:
— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) February 21, 2025
Donald Trump says his plan for Gaza is good, but he is not imposing it and will only recommend it. pic.twitter.com/1sqOkBxu4s
Trump’s vision, reiterated in recent statements, involves resettling Palestinians in Egypt or Jordan—both of which flatly rejected the idea—and transforming Gaza into a U.S.-controlled luxury hub. The proposal has drawn sharp rebukes beyond the Arab world, with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labeling it a “major threat to world peace.” The Riyadh summit, unfolding now, aims to craft a coordinated response, with a broader Arab League meeting set for March 4 in Cairo to solidify their stance against what many see as a colonial overreach.
The backlash comes amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, where hostage swaps and humanitarian crises dominate headlines. Trump’s plan has reignited fears of destabilization, with analysts warning it could derail peace efforts. Social media, especially X, is ablaze with reactions, from Palestinian defiance to global condemnation. “Gaza belongs to its people,” one viral post read, echoing the region’s sentiment.
As the Riyadh talks progress, the Middle East braces for what’s next. Will Trump push forward despite the uproar, or will Arab unity force a rethink? For now, the proposal has only deepened distrust, spotlighting the region’s volatile fault lines. Stay tuned for updates from sources like Reuters as this story unfolds.