On Thursday, January 22, the United States unveiled an ambitious “New Gaza” reconstruction plan at the World Economic Forum in Davos, depicting a blueprint to transform the war-torn Palestinian territory into a modern seaside resort destination.
According to a report from BBC News, Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Trump, presented this reconstruction plan at the signing ceremony of the “Board of Peace” charter. Kushner played a key role in brokering last October’s ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The reconstruction plan presented in slide show at the event envisions the construction of up to 180 skyscrapers along the Mediterranean coast, creating a “seaside tourism zone,” where many buildings could be planned as hotels. A large residential area is to be built in the Rafah region, developing new residential, agricultural, and industrial areas for a population of 2.1 million people.
Kushner said, “What they build in the Middle East are cities of two to three million people, they do it in three years. If we really want to achieve it, it can also be done in three years.”
President Trump, at the signing ceremony of the “Board of Peace,” stated, “We will have tremendous success in Gaza. It will be a beautiful view. I am essentially a real estate developer…look at this waterfront property, look at this piece of prime land, what it would mean to so many people.”
According to the U.S. “master plan” revealed by Kushner, the reconstruction plan will be implemented in four stages, starting from Rafah and gradually moving north to Gaza City. The plan includes building a new seaport and airport near the Egyptian border, as well as establishing a “tri-border crossing” at the intersection of the Egyptian and Israeli borders.
Kushner emphasized two city development projects – “New Rafah” and “New Gaza.” “New Rafah” will have over 100,000 housing units, 200 schools, and more than 75 medical facilities. He expressed hope to complete construction within two to three years, with debris clearance already underway.
“New Gaza” aims to become an industrial hub, with the goal of achieving 100% full employment. The futuristic city, as shown in the presentation slides, resembles Gulf cities like Doha and Dubai, featuring sparkling waterfront residences and offices, dozens of residential high-rises with terraces, overlooking a tree-lined boulevard.
Kushner stated that the U.S. government will initially provide financial support, with the official announcement expected at a meeting in Washington in the coming weeks. He also called for private sector investment and pledged to offer “amazing investment opportunities.”
Kushner stressed that disarming Hamas is a crucial precondition for Gaza’s reconstruction: “Without security, no one will invest. If Hamas does not disarm, it will be an obstacle to achieving the wishes of the people of Gaza.”
He stated that the new technocratic government managing the territory – the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) – will collaborate with Hamas on disarmament.
President Trump warned Hamas, saying, “They must hand over their weapons, if they do not, it will be their end.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised “President Trump’s efforts and leadership” at Davos but cautioned, “The real test is Hamas leaving Gaza.”
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called for the comprehensive implementation of the peace plan, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the core role of the Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza.
Ali Shaath, Chairman of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, announced that the border crossing point between Rafah and Egypt will open in both directions next week. This marks the enclave “no longer closing itself off from the future and the world.”