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By Amira El-Fekki and Tom O'Connor
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Hamas has criticized an AI video shared on U.S. President Donald Trump's accounts that showed a vision of Gaza as a Riviera-style resort and Trump relaxing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Hamas official told Newsweek it did not take account the cultures and interests of the peope.
Why It Matters
Trump's video has underlined concerns in the Middle East that he might be serious about his proposal to move Palestinians out of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip and turn it into a U.S.-run Mediterranean beach paradise.
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Palestinian militant group Hamas faces an uncertain long-term future in the Gaza Strip, which it runs. It is currently in a ceasefire with Israel for the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, putting on hold the fighting since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which has devastated the Gaza Strip.
What To Know
A senior Hamas official told Newsweek: "Unfortunately, Trump is once again proposing ideas that do not take into account the cultures and interests of the people."
"The people of Gaza are looking forward to the day when they see Gaza rebuilt, economically revived and building a better future for its children, but this cannot succeed inside the big prison," said Basem Naim, spokesperson and Hamas Political Bureau member. "We are not struggling to improve prison conditions, but to get rid of the prison and the jailer."
The AI-generated video shows Gaza transformed into something resembling a casino resort beside the beach. It includes a huge golden statue of Trump as well of scenes of bellydancers with beards, money being scattered in the air and an appearance by tech billionaire and Trump acolyte Elon Musk.
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It ends with a scene of Trump relaxing on a sun lounger alongside Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
At least 48,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's Gaza offensive, according to officials in the Hamas-run territory cited by the Associated Press. Hamas killed some 1,200 Israelis in the initial attack and took around 250 people hostage.
What People Are Saying
Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim: "We are ready to cooperate with any party that wants to contribute to alleviating the suffering of the people of the Gaza Strip, rebuilding their country, and facilitating this noble mission on the basis of respecting the will of our people and their adherence to their land."
Video posted on Trump's social media accounts: "Donald Trump is to set you free, bringing the light for all to see. No more tunnels, no more fear, Trump Gaza is finally here."
What Happens Next
Exchanges continue of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners during the shaky ceasefire. Whether or not Trump's plan for Gaza is intended to happen, it puts pressure on Arab countries to come up with a plan to stabilize Gaza — something that could also leave out Hamas.
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