At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Trump administration, through Jared Kushner, presented a bold and speculative vision for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The plan, requiring an estimated $25 billion in investment, envisions a transformed enclave featuring skyscrapers, new cities, and a thriving tourism sector, contingent on Hamas’s demilitarization.
A Vision of Skyscrapers and New Cities
Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, presented slides depicting a dramatically reshaped Gaza, with gleaming skyscrapers lining the coast and entirely new urban developments. The plan, dubbed “catastrophic success,” aims to rebuild Gaza in phases, starting with the southern city of Rafah, which is projected to be reconstructed within two to three years. “New Gaza” is envisioned as an industrial hub with the goal of achieving full employment, drawing comparisons to cities like Doha and Dubai.
Funding and Investment
The ambitious reconstruction effort is estimated to cost at least $25 billion. Kushner indicated that governments would make initial contributions, with announcements expected at an upcoming conference in Washington. He also actively appealed to the private sector, promising significant investment opportunities, while acknowledging the inherent risks. The plan emphasizes that demilitarization is a prerequisite for investment and reconstruction.
The ‘Board of Peace’ and Governance
The presentation coincided with the signing of the charter for President Trump’s “Board of Peace.” This body is tasked with overseeing the reconstruction and demilitarization of Gaza. The plan introduces a new technocratic committee, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), composed of Palestinian appointees, to manage day-to-day rebuilding efforts. Concerns have been raised by the Palestinian Authority regarding the committee’s potential to undermine their political standing, and the plan suggests a possible shift away from the role of UNRWA in providing services.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the optimistic presentation, the plan faces significant challenges. The scale of destruction in Gaza, with over 80% of buildings damaged or destroyed, is immense. Critics have voiced concerns that the plan could lead to the “elimination” of Palestinians’ presence, focusing on “domestication, subjugation, and control.” Furthermore, the original ceasefire plan’s inclusion of an international stabilization force was notably absent from Kushner’s presentation, and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza is presented as contingent on “Gaza-wide demilitarization.”
Hamas has historically linked the handover of weapons to the creation of an independent Palestinian state, and their response to the demilitarization requirement remains a critical point of contention. The plan also omits detailed discussions on the role of the Palestinian Authority, beyond suggesting it could resume a central role after completing reforms.
A Glimpse of the Future
The “New Gaza” proposal includes specific zones for “coastal tourism,” residential areas, industrial complexes, data centers, and agricultural facilities. A new seaport and airport are planned near the Egyptian border. The redevelopment is slated for four phases, beginning in Rafah and moving northward. The plan also features an empty strip along the Egyptian and Israeli borders, designated as a “security perimeter.”