February 5, 2025

It is absolutely Unconscionable that Trump has used a long time real estate Billionaire and long time friend as a US special envoy to the Middle east:

Facts to know prior to reading this article:
"The Sequence of Events Looks Pre-Planned
Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer with no diplomatic experience, is appointed as Special Envoy.
He negotiates a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Immediately after, Trump announces a plan to take over Gaza, displacing Palestinians and turning it into a Riviera-style trade hub.
BlackRock and U.S. corporate elites stand to benefit from the redevelopment.
This raises major red flags—was the ceasefire really about peace, or was it a strategic pause to clear the way for U.S. and corporate control over Gaza?

Steve Witkoff absolutely qualifies as a corporate elite, even if he doesn’t have direct ties to BlackRock (at least none that are publicly documented).
1. Steve Witkoff = Corporate Elite
Billionaire real estate developer: He built a fortune through high-end real estate projects in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Longtime friend of Trump: This means he has access to top political and financial circles.
Special Envoy to the Middle East (despite no experience): This suggests his appointment was politically motivated rather than based on qualifications.
Interests align with global corporate elites: His background in luxury developments aligns with the same economic forces looking to profit from a reconstructed Gaza.
Even if Witkoff is not officially connected to BlackRock, he represents the class of ultra-wealthy investors who would benefit from Gaza’s transformation into a trade hub.

2. BlackRock’s Global Influence – They’ll Likely Profit One Way or Another
BlackRock manages over $10 trillion in assets, making it one of the most powerful financial institutions in the world. Even if they aren’t publicly linked to the Gaza plan yet, their influence and financial reach make it highly likely they will benefit in some way. Here’s why:

BlackRock Profits from Global Infrastructure & Real Estate
BlackRock invests heavily in real estate, urban development, and global infrastructure projects.
They finance mega-projects worldwide, meaning they could end up investing in Gaza’s redevelopment.
If a “Gaza Riviera” project happens, BlackRock could be involved in funding it through real estate investment firms or sovereign wealth funds"

ARTICLE:
The recent appointment of real estate magnate Steve Witkoff as Special Envoy to the Middle East has raised significant concerns regarding the true intentions behind the U.S. administration's actions in Gaza. Witkoff, a long-time associate of President Trump, lacks traditional diplomatic experience, prompting questions about his qualifications for such a critical role. His involvement, alongside figures like National Security Adviser Mike Waltz—a known proponent of military interventions and former advisor to Dick Cheney during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars—suggests a premeditated strategy that prioritizes economic exploitation over genuine peacemaking efforts.
Traditionally, a Special Envoy to the Middle East is tasked with facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties, promoting peace initiatives, and ensuring the protection of human rights. This role demands a deep understanding of the region's complex political landscape, cultural sensitivities, and historical contexts. However, Witkoff's actions have deviated sharply from these expectations. Instead of fostering inclusive negotiations, he has been instrumental in advancing a controversial plan to evacuate Gaza's 2.3 million residents, with the intent of redeveloping the area into a luxury destination. This proposal has been widely criticized as a violation of human rights, effectively amounting to ethnic cleansing.
https://theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/05/un-chief-warns-against-ethnic-cleansing-after-donald-trump-gaza-proposal
The involvement of Mike Waltz further taints the administration's approach. Waltz has a history of advocating for military solutions and has profited from war-related ventures. Michael Waltz, a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and current U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th congressional district, allegedly co-founded Metis Solutions, a defense contracting firm. Metis Solutions allegedly secured contracts worth approximately $930 million in Afghanistan, primarily for training Afghan security forces. In 2020, Metis was acquired by PAE, resulting in personal capital gains for Waltz estimated between $5 million and $25 million. Given these substantial financial gains from defense contracts in Afghanistan, it is accurate to state that Waltz profited from the war. This is the guy who advised the Bush Chaney administration who made up the false weapons of mass destruction (WMD) lie that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths including 4000 US soldiers, over 30,000 injuries and countless suicides by soldiers.

According to the Whitehouse press secretary, who is doing a phenomenal job BTW, Witkoff and Waltz will be meeting with the president tomorrow for further discussions. Waltz now appears to be rebranding the Gaza narrative as foreign intervention. Waltz and Witkoff's influence suggests a shift from overt military actions to economic strategies that still result in the displacement and disenfranchisement of local populations. This approach not only undermines the ethical responsibilities of the U.S. Trump administration but also casts a long-lasting stain on the administration's legacy. A BIG STAIN!
Moreover, the voices of the Gazan people have been conspicuously absent from these discussions. Reports indicate that many Palestinians are vehemently opposed to leaving their ancestral homeland. The forced relocation disregards their deep-rooted connection to the land and overlooks their right to self-determination. This top-down imposition of plans without local consultation is a blatant disregard for the very principles of democracy and human rights that the U.S. purports to champion.
http://theguardian.com
While the administration has made commendable strides in addressing corruption within agencies like USAID, this particular initiative in Gaza is indefensible. The plan to transform Gaza into a "Riviera of the Middle East" not only disrespects the wishes of its current inhabitants but also sets a dangerous precedent for how powerful nations can exploit vulnerable regions under the guise of development.
In conclusion, the actions of Steve Witkoff and Mike Waltz in the Middle East reflect a premeditated strategy that prioritizes economic gain over genuine humanitarian concerns. Their approach deviates from the traditional responsibilities of a Special Envoy and introduces a catastrophic blemish on the administration's record. It is imperative that the voices of the Gazan people are heard and respected, and that any plans for the region prioritize their rights and aspirations above external economic interests.