Donald Trump’s proposed redevelopment plan for Gaza, unveiled by his “Board of Peace,” showcases a vision of transforming the war-torn region into a modern landscape of high-rise buildings. The unveiling took place at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The plan, which includes the creation of “New Gaza” and “New Rafah” as business centers to provide employment, training, and services to Gazans, has faced criticism for being seen as a scheme to exploit the area for profit rather than genuinely benefit the local population. The presentation featured images of a developed Gaza, with transportation hubs, residential neighborhoods, and promises of significant investments and returns.
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a key figure in the project, presented the $25 billion proposal as a way to boost Gaza’s economy, projecting a potential GDP of $10 billion by 2035. The plan involves transforming a section of the Gaza coastline into a tourist zone with mixed-use towers, while the interior would house residential areas and industrial zones for data centers and manufacturing facilities.
Among the infrastructure proposals outlined are a port, an airport, a crossing at Rafah, and a network of ring roads connecting urban communities in a similar fashion to American cities. However, the plan has sparked outrage, particularly among displaced Palestinians, who distrust the involvement of figures like Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump, citing ongoing suffering and lack of concrete improvements.
Critics, including displaced individuals like Manal al-Qouqa and Suhail al-Hanawi, have expressed skepticism about the project, questioning its intentions and impact on the Palestinian population. Social media commentary has also raised concerns about potential exploitation of Gaza’s resources and strategic location, with doubts about the plan’s alignment with the Palestinian cause.
The “Board of Peace,” which includes controversial world leaders like Vladimir Putin, is facing backlash for its involvement in the project, especially in light of ongoing conflicts and human rights violations in regions represented by some board members. Trump’s announcement of Putin’s inclusion in the board has raised further concerns about the legitimacy and motives behind the redevelopment plan.