Gaza: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made headlines by claiming that the United States has endorsed Israel's plan to transform the Gaza Strip into a 'resort town' following the relocation of its Palestinian residents.

According to Anadolu Agency, Smotrich announced at a Knesset conference that the US, led by then-President Donald Trump, gave the go-ahead for this transformation, which he believes will be a step towards peace. The conference was titled 'The Gaza Riviera - from vision to reality,' and Smotrich outlined a vision where Gaza becomes a prosperous area integrated into Israel.

Smotrich, who leads the far-right Religious Zionism Party, suggested relocating Gazans to other countries as part of facilitating the settlement and transformation of Gaza. He mentioned plans to establish communities along the northern border, indicating that discussions are already underway.

The US has not yet commented on Smotrich's statements. The concept of developing Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East" was previously mentioned by Trump earlier in the year. Smotrich also urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to proceed with a full occupation of Gaza, setting a deadline for negotiations with Hamas.

Currently, indirect negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with US support, are taking place between Israel and Hamas in Doha. These talks aim to reach a prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Despite reaching partial agreements in late 2023 and January this year, the conflict continues with significant casualties.

Since October 2023, over 59,100 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have died due to Israeli military actions in Gaza. The campaign has caused extensive devastation, including the collapse of the health system and severe food shortages. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes, and Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.