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sraeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far‑right figure sanctioned by the UK, Canada and Australia, told a Tel Aviv conference that Gaza could become a lucrative real‑estate venture. He claimed a detailed redevelopment plan has been presented to President Trump and that talks are underway with the United States on how to split any future profits. Smotrich echoed Trump’s February vision of turning Gaza into a “Middle‑East Riviera,” complete with a Dubai‑style skyline, and said the proposal is “profitable” and already on the president’s desk.
Smotrich said Israel had already spent heavily on the war and now must decide how to share the proceeds from rebuilding Gaza’s ruined landscape. He described the demolition phase as the first step of urban renewal and asserted that construction would be cheaper once the groundwork is laid.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza has intensified, with a major ground push aimed at capturing Gaza City and dismantling Hamas. Thousands of residents are fleeing south to avoid casualties, a move that critics say violates the Geneva Convention and has drawn sharp condemnation. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called the operation “utterly reckless and appalling,” warning it would only increase bloodshed, endanger hostages and kill more civilians.
Amid the escalating violence, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce Britain’s recognition of a Palestinian state, a move that could be delayed until after President Trump’s visit. The UK, along with France, Canada and Australia, plans to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly next month, following earlier recognitions by Ireland, Spain and Norway. The UK’s recognition is contingent on Israel taking “substantive steps” to end the war and commit to long‑term peace.
Israel rejects the idea of recognition, arguing it rewards Hamas and hampers hostage negotiations. According to the Hamas‑run health ministry, more than 65,000 people have died in Gaza since the war began, with 63 casualties reported on Wednesday alone. The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel killed about 1,200 people and left 251 hostages, 48 of whom remain in Gaza. A UN commission recently accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, a claim Israel denounced as “distorted and false.”
UN estimates that a million people still live in crowded tent camps in Gaza City, while Israel reports that 40 % of the population has already fled south and has opened a new evacuation route for 48 hours.
