Hamas has condemned a video posted by former US President Donald Trump on his Truth Social account, which used AI to depict Gaza as a luxurious resort featuring a golden statue of Trump and Elon Musk. Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim criticized the portrayal as disconnected from Palestinian culture, emphasizing that Gazans aspire for genuine reconstruction and a brighter future, not a life in a “prison.” Trump’s controversial development plan involves displacing 2.1 million Palestinians to create this vision, drawing mixed reactions, including support from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who stressed the need for Gazans to disavow terrorism for any return.
Gaza:
Hamas has condemned US President Donald Trump for sharing an AI-generated video on his Truth Social account that depicted his “vision” of Gaza as a Riviera-like resort, complete with a dictator-style golden statue of himself and a scene featuring hummus-loving Elon Musk. The video also portrayed a shirtless Trump enjoying cocktails with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a beach, interspersed with visuals of skyscrapers and luxury yachts.
Basem Naim, spokesperson and member of Hamas’s Political Bureau, responded to the video, stating that the American President’s envisioned concept of Gaza fails to reflect the culture and desires of the Palestinians living in the territory.
“Unfortunately, Trump is once again putting forth ideas that do not consider the culture and interests of the people,” he shared in an interview with Newsweek.
“The people of Gaza are eagerly anticipating the day when they witness Gaza being rebuilt, economically strengthened, and looking towards a brighter future for their children, but this cannot happen within the confines of a grand prison. We are not fighting to improve prison conditions, but to escape the prison and its warden,” Naim further elaborated.
The Palestinian group Hamas faces a precarious future in the Gaza Strip, which it governs. It is currently engaged in a ceasefire agreement with Israel regarding the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Gaza Redevelopment
The American President has pitched a redevelopment plan for Gaza that includes the removal of 2.1 million Palestinians from the area, transforming it into a “Riviera” under US ownership.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has endorsed the plan, describing it as innovative and possessing the potential to transform Gaza. However, he stated that displaced Gazans must “renounce terrorism” if they wish to return. He identified the central challenge as locating a country willing to accommodate the displaced Gazans and suggested that a Palestinian state could be established in Saudi Arabia.
In the meantime, Arab leaders, led by Egypt, are crafting a response to Trump’s proposal for Gaza. They are scheduled to gather in Cairo on March 4 to deliberate on the plan, with intentions to present their viewpoint to the American President at a later date.
Trump Gaza Video
The video, seemingly crafted using generative AI, opens with the current state of Gaza—devastated by war and ruins, heavily bombarded by Israeli aircraft following the October 7, 2023 onslaught. It depicts barefoot Palestinian children navigating through the rubble in Gaza.
“What’s next?” a title card inquires as the children approach a skyline of skyscrapers along Gaza’s coastline, where yachts are docked and sports cars line the streets. Notably, it features a skyscraper that resembles the iconic Empire State Building.
“Donald’s coming to set you free. Trump Gaza shining bright. Golden future, a brand-new light. Feast and dance. The deed is done,” a voice croons in the background as bearded belly dancers in bikinis and a child holding a golden balloon shaped like Trump’s head appear on screen.
The video also showcases billionaire Elon Musk dancing on a beach while showered in US dollars and savoring his meals. A striking building displaying a ‘Trump Gaza’ sign in the center of the city signals who is in charge. To amplify this display of power, a shop selling Trump miniatures as souvenirs can be seen.
The video culminates with the camera zooming in on Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoying drinks on a beach.