As the international community debates the future of the war-torn enclave, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders has firmly rejected former President Donald Trump’s proposal to transform Gaza into a luxury real estate investment.
The Gaza Strip has long been a focal point of conflict and humanitarian crises, with its population enduring war, displacement, and devastation.
Sanders’ statement underscores the urgent need to rebuild Gaza for its people rather than catering to wealthy investors. His remarks come in response to Trump’s controversial suggestion that Palestinians should be forcibly relocated, and Gaza should be redeveloped into prime real estate.
Bernie Sanders Rejects Trump’s Real Estate Vision for Gaza
In a pointed statement on social media, Bernie Sanders condemned Trump’s approach to Gaza’s future, emphasizing that the land must be rebuilt for its rightful inhabitants, not for foreign investors or luxury tourism. “47,000+ Palestinians killed. 111,000 injured,” Sanders wrote.
“Trump’s response? Forcibly expel Palestinians to make Gaza ‘a real estate development for the future. A beautiful piece of land.’ No. Gaza must be rebuilt for the Palestinian people, not billionaire tourists.”
Sanders’ comments highlight the deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 2 million people have been displaced, and much of the infrastructure has been reduced to rubble due to relentless airstrikes and military offensives.
The notion of repurposing Gaza for wealthy investors while its original inhabitants suffer has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and international leaders.
Read : Palestinians Won’t Have Right to Return to Gaza Under My Takeover Plan: Trump
Trump’s remarks, aired in an interview with Fox News, doubled down on his vision of Gaza as a lucrative real estate project. “Think of it as a real estate development for the future, it would be a beautiful piece of land,” he said. When asked if Palestinians would have the right to return, he flatly denied it, stating, “No, they wouldn’t, because they’re going to have much better housing.”
47,000+ Palestinians killed. 111,000 injured.
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 10, 2025
Trump’s response? Forcibly expel Palestinians to make Gaza “a real estate development for the future. A beautiful piece of land.”
No. Gaza must be rebuilt for the Palestinian people, not billionaire tourists.
This perspective aligns with previous statements made by Trump’s son-in-law and former advisor, Jared Kushner, who in March 2024 suggested that Gaza’s Mediterranean coastline holds immense economic potential.
Kushner, known for his role in shaping Trump’s Middle East policies, advocated for moving Palestinians out of Gaza to enable development. “Gaza’s waterfront property could be very valuable if people would focus on building up livelihoods,” he said, adding that Israel should relocate the population before “cleaning it up.”
The Devastation of Gaza and the Need for Reconstruction
Gaza has been left in ruins following continuous airstrikes, military offensives, and blockades that have crippled its economy and infrastructure. Over 47,000 Palestinians have been killed, and tens of thousands more have been injured.
The enclave’s already fragile healthcare system is overwhelmed, with hospitals running out of medical supplies, food, clean water, and electricity. The destruction has rendered half of Gaza’s housing uninhabitable, leaving millions of people without shelter.
For years, Gaza has been subjected to repeated bombings that have targeted residential buildings, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure.
The ongoing siege has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, cutting off access to food, medicine, and basic necessities. The blockade, enforced by Israel and Egypt, has made it nearly impossible for Gaza’s residents to rebuild their lives.
In this context, the idea of transforming Gaza into a real estate haven for billionaires is not only impractical but deeply unethical.
The priority should be to rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and water systems to ensure that the people of Gaza can live with dignity. Any discussion about Gaza’s future must prioritize the rights and well-being of its native population rather than catering to corporate interests.
International organizations and human rights groups have repeatedly called for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts to be directed toward helping Gaza’s civilians.
The United Nations has warned that the continued destruction and displacement in Gaza could lead to long-term consequences, including further destabilization of the region. Experts emphasize that any rebuilding process must be led by Palestinians themselves, with full recognition of their rights to return and live in their homeland.
Global Response and the Path Forward
Trump’s proposal has been met with widespread condemnation, not only from Sanders but also from world leaders and international organizations.
Both Egypt and Jordan have rejected the notion of permanently resettling Palestinian refugees, asserting that Gaza belongs to its people and must be restored for them. The Palestinian leadership has also denounced the plan, calling it an extension of colonialist policies that seek to erase Palestinian identity and sovereignty.
For decades, Palestinians have faced displacement and forced removals, with many living as refugees in neighboring countries. Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians be relocated against their will echoes historical patterns of dispossession, reinforcing fears that their homeland is being taken from them once again.
This is why Sanders and other progressive leaders in the U.S. have strongly opposed any plan that disregards Palestinian rights. The future of Gaza must be determined by its people, with a focus on rebuilding homes, restoring essential services, and ensuring long-term stability.
This requires international support, humanitarian aid, and policies that prioritize human rights over corporate profits. The idea of billionaire investors taking over Gaza for luxury development is not only unrealistic but also deeply unjust.
As calls for justice and reconstruction grow louder, it is crucial for the global community to recognize that Gaza’s recovery should be led by its own people.
The international community must pressure governments to support genuine rebuilding efforts rather than exploitative economic ventures. Gaza’s future should be centered on its residents, ensuring that they can return to their homes, rebuild their communities, and live with dignity.
Bernie Sanders’ statement serves as a powerful reminder that the plight of Gaza’s people cannot be ignored. As the world watches, it is imperative that any discussion about the region’s future respects the rights and aspirations of its rightful inhabitants.
The fight for Gaza’s reconstruction is not just about rebuilding structures—it is about restoring justice, human rights, and hope for millions of displaced Palestinians.