Gateway to a reimagined, blossoming Gaza Strip

(JNS) — U.S. President Donald Trump is changing the narrative regarding Gaza. His visionary declaration of turning Gaza “into the Riviera of the Middle East” has people reimagining the entire area.

Gaza has been a launching pad for terrorism since 1948. The Arabs of Gaza left their homes of their own free will at the direction and encouragement of their leaders who invaded Israel after it was recognized by the United Nations as a state in 1948. The Arab world kept Gaza as a festering sore to keep international pressure on Israel.

The Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, changed everything. The murders, mutilations, rapes, atrocities and hostage-taking by Hamas made the status quo in Gaza impossible.

Trump is boldly envisioning Gaza in a whole new light. His plan was immediately embraced by most Israelis. It is no longer a question of “if” but “when” the people of Gaza will be relocated.  

Although many plans will be put forward, one thing is certain: Gaza could well become the largest and busiest port in the Middle East.

Presently, Ashdod is Israel’s busiest port handling 60% of the country’s imports, but it is all of 23 square miles, while Gaza is 141 square miles with 24 miles of pure coastline. Haifa, which is also one of Israel’s busier ports, is only about two miles long and handles some 30 million tons of cargo annually. As for Eilat, which is strategically important, it handles a mere 2.6 million tons annually.

The port of Gaza could supersede them all.

Control of ports is crucial for any country’s safety and security. The situation at the Panama Canal is one example of how important shipping lanes are to the world. China has not only tried to control the Panama Canal but also owns ports in Long Beach, Calif.; Los Angeles; Seattle; Houston; and Miami. It also owns ports in Greece, Belgium and Spain. The Chinese involvement in these ports can be a ground base for espionage, economic coercion and military expansion.

The future control of the port of Gaza will be essential in stabilizing the entire region. There is a lot of work to be done to get to that point; first and foremost, Hamas and its supporters have to be dealt with.

There is a firm commitment from America and Israel to take care of business in Gaza. Building a port there will be a high priority in the Strip’s redevelopment. Economically, it could be a goldmine for all involved. Once it comes to fruition, it will truly be transformative. It cannot happen soon enough.

Dr. Joseph Frager is a lifelong activist and physician. He is chairman of Israel advocacy for the Rabbinical Alliance of America, chairman of the executive committee of American Friends of Ateret Cohanim and executive vice president of the Israel Heritage Foundation.