US President Donald Trump has faced global criticism after sharing an AI-generated video showing Gaza as a luxury resort with beaches, skyscrapers, and even a golden statue of himself. The video, which was posted on February 26, 2025, promotes his “Gaza Riviera” plan. The video combines scenes of destruction with glitzy scenes of what Trump calls “Trump Gaza". This video has been criticized as a “colonial fantasy” by Palestinians and world leaders, that erases the suffering of Palestinians and suggests their displacement from their homeland.
The 33-second video begins with scenes of destruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip. It shows Palestinians walking through rubble and armed soldiers patrol the streets. The scene quickly shifts to a vibrant, reimagined version of Gaza, complete with white sandy beaches, luxury skyscrapers, and busy markets, showing it as a luxury tourist spot.
Among the visuals are scenes of Trump relaxing by a pool with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The video also features a large golden statue of Trump surrounded by palm trees. And billionaire Elon Musk throwing money at a crowd, Teslas are driving on the streets, western tourists are seen walking through the streets, beard men dancing and kids play on the beach, and one holds a balloon shaped like Trump’s head while money falls from the sky. There’s even a resort called “Trump Gaza” with yachts and high-rise buildings.
It also has a soundtrack that plays lyrics like, “No more tunnels, no more fear, Trump Gaza is finally here” and “Donald Trump will set you free”. The video ends with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu smiling under the tagline: “Gaza 2025: What’s next?”.
Trump's proposal for Gaza is not new; he previously talked about transforming the region into what he called “the Riviera of the Middle East.” His plan involves taking control of Gaza and moving its two million residents elsewhere. Critics argue that this approach raises serious ethical concerns about displacing an entire population out of their homes. Trump posted the video on his Truth Social and Instagram accounts without explaining it. This video serves as a visual representation of this controversial plan. By portraying Gaza as a lavish resort with no mention of its current devastation or the people who live there, it presents a dangerous narrative that undermines Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
The video has led to strong criticism from Palestinians, human rights groups, and world leaders. Many Palestinians in Gaza, who have limited internet access, rejected the idea of being displaced. Mohamed Abdelrahman, a 20-year-old from Gaza, told NPR, “We won’t leave our land for a fake paradise. Let us rebuild our homes ourselves”.
Hamas officials called the video “disgraceful” and promised to resist the plan. Meanwhile Faye Nemer, CEO of the MENA American Chamber of Commerce in Dearborn, Michigan and a Trump supporter, urged him to remove the video, calling it “offensive and counterproductive to peace talks”.
UN experts warned that the plan would break international law and compared it to “colonial conquest”. Senator Bernie Sanders criticized it as ethnic cleansing" and a "war crime".
The video presents a different picture from the harsh reality in Gaza. For 19 years, 2 million Palestinians have lived under an Israeli blockade. Since the 2023 war, over 47,000 people have died, and 90 percent of the population faces extreme hunger. Basic services like hospitals, schools, and clean water systems are non-existent.
The video has drawn strong reactions worldwide. Egypt and Jordan called the idea of forced displacement “unacceptable”. The UN demanded urgent aid access, blaming the blockade for “man-made starvation.” The EU warned that Trump’s plan could lead to “permanent occupation”. Despite this, some of Trump’s allies supported the video. Elon Musk called it “innovative”, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said it “shows Israel’s commitment to regional prosperity”.
Trump’s “Gaza Riviera” plan includes relocating Palestinians to other countries like Egypt or Jordan, rebuilding Gaza into luxury resorts and casinos, and keeping Israeli security control over the area. Palestinians, however, remain defiant. Samiha Zahir said to AL jazeera, “Trump can dream on…. if he thinks he can display or expel us. Ismail Shehad said we will not sell it for money. Nor will we sell it under fear and threat.”.