Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
DONALD TRUMP AND senior adviser Jared Kushner have unveiled a sweeping plan to rebuild Gaza at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, featuring futuristic AI-generated images of luxury apartments, twisting skyscrapers, coastal tourism zones and industrial data centres.
The plans also include proposals to build more than 100,000 housing units and 75 medical facilities in the Palestinian region.
The bizarre proposals stand in stark contrast to a region still devastated by years of conflict and ongoing humanitarian hardship.
Addressing the WEF today, Kushner described a phased reconstruction process that would only begin after the full demilitarisation of Hamas, with weapons removed zone by zone and some former militants potentially integrated into a new Palestinian police force.
While presented as a “master plan” for Gaza, experts have questioned how such ambitious development could realistically be achieved in a territory still facing daily violence, destroyed infrastructure and extreme poverty.
The plan includes workforce housing, industrial zones, a seaport, an airport, more than 200 education facilities, 180 cultural centres and 75 medical facilities, projecting 500,000 new jobs and $10bn (€8.5bn) in GDP by 2036.
Kushner emphasised private-sector investment as central to the effort, and an international investment conference is expected to be held in Washington soon.
Ali Shaath, head of the newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, said the Rafah border crossing with Egypt will reopen in both directions next week, describing it as a “lifeline and symbol of opportunity.”
However, Israeli officials stated that the crossing will remain closed until the remains of the last hostage held in Gaza are returned.
The humanitarian and security situation in the region remains dire.
Over the past 48 hours, four Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in Gaza City, with 11 bodies and seven wounded brought to hospitals across the enclave.
It’s also been reported that an infant died from hypothermia amid a severe cold snap in the Palestinian region.
In the West Bank, Israeli forces carried out raids in Jenin, Nablus and Hebron, while settlers entered previously evacuated areas and the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under military protection.
With reporting from AFP
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say