A controversial AI-generated video portraying Gaza as a lavish seaside resort—complete with a golden statue of Donald Trump—has sparked criticism from UN and Amnesty International officials. The video, posted on Trump’s official social media accounts, quickly gained traction, accumulating over 10.5 million views on Instagram and 2,400 shares on Truth Social by Wednesday morning.
The 33-second clip, titled “Gaza 2025: What’s Next?”, shows people walking through war-torn streets before emerging onto a beach lined with palm trees and yachts. Scenes include AI-generated images of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sipping cocktails by a pool and Elon Musk dancing under a shower of cash. The soundtrack features lyrics praising Trump’s supposed role in transforming Gaza, including:
“Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see.”
The video remained online without denial or retraction hours after its posting, leading some to speculate whether Trump’s accounts had been hacked.
Global Outcry
UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian human rights Francesca Albanese denounced the video as “absurd,” accusing the U.S. administration of using psychological tactics to manipulate public perception.
“Hitting us every day with XXL doses of baffling rhetoric and erratic policies serves to ‘control the script’, distracting and disorienting us,” Albanese wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard expressed shock, saying she had “no words indeed. Beyond indecency?”
Trump’s Gaza Controversy
The video follows Trump’s previous remarks suggesting a U.S. takeover of Gaza, with the relocation of its Palestinian population—a proposal widely condemned by international leaders. He later backtracked, claiming it was merely a suggestion and admitting that Jordan and Egypt rejected the idea.
AI Manipulation Raises Questions
AFP found no evidence of the video’s existence before it appeared on Trump’s social media, though a similar AI-generated image of Trump and Netanyahu drinking cocktails circulated earlier this month. The use of AI in political messaging is raising concerns about misinformation and propaganda, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Gaza’s Reality
More than 15 months of war have left Gaza in ruins, with UN estimates placing reconstruction costs at over $53 billion. A fragile ceasefire since January 19 has allowed increased humanitarian aid, but Hamas accuses Israel of blocking essential supplies.
As outrage over the video grows, Trump’s campaign has yet to respond to demands for clarification.
