Israeli Minister Smotrich Sparks Outrage with Gaza "Real Estate Opportunity" Claim

Israeli Minister Touts Gaza 'Real Estate Bonanza', Defying International Backlash TEL AVIV, Israel (Reuters) - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sparked international outrage by describing the Gaza Strip as a "real estate bonanza" and suggesting that it could be divided up with the United States after the war. Speaking at an event in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Smotrich said that "a business plan is on President Trump's table," referring to plans floated by Donald Trump in February to take a "long-term ownership position" over Gaza. The idea was met with widespread condemnation from Palestinians, Arab states, and the international community. "We've done the demolition phase... Now we need to build," Smotrich said, downplaying the devastating impact of Israel's military campaign on the territory. Vast parts of Gaza have been reduced to rubble, leaving thousands of Palestinians without homes or access to basic services. The idea of dividing up Gaza with the United States would involve the forced displacement of Palestinians in the territory, a move that would be in clear violation of international law. The US and Israel have claimed that any emigration from Gaza would be "voluntary," but experts say this is unlikely given the dire living conditions in the territory. The BBC has reached out to the US State Department for comment on Smotrich's remarks, but a response was not immediately available. Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, and the latest conflict has left thousands of Palestinians homeless. The international community has called for an end to the blockade and for Israel to allow humanitarian aid into the territory. The idea of developing Gaza as a luxury destination, as Trump once suggested, is seen by many as a cynical attempt to justify the displacement of Palestinians and the annexation of their land. "This is a colonialist fantasy," said Dr. Mustafa al-Barghouthi, a Palestinian politician and human rights activist. "The people of Gaza will not be forced out of their homes to make way for luxury resorts." Smotrich's comments have sparked outrage among Palestinians and their supporters around the world. "This is a clear attempt to justify war crimes and ethnic cleansing," said Dr. al-Barghouthi. As the international community continues to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza, it remains unclear what the next steps will be for Smotrich and his government. However, one thing is certain: the people of Gaza will continue to resist any attempts to displace them from their land. (Reuters) - Additional reporting by Tom Bennett in Jerusalem. *Reporting by Bbc.*