The “Board of Peace” led by Donald Trump has unveiled a set of images showcasing the US President’s ambitious redevelopment plan for a future Gaza after conflict. Revealed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the photos depict a transformed Gaza coastline filled with modern high-rise structures labeled as “New Gaza” and “New Rafah”, positioned as bustling business centers aiming to provide employment, education, and services to Gazans. However, critics view this initiative as a scheme to exploit the region orchestrated by developers and authoritarian figures.
The proposed vision presents a vastly developed Gaza featuring a transportation network and concentrically arranged residential areas. The plan, presented by Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and investor, outlines a $25 billion proposal to elevate Gaza into an economic powerhouse, with a projected GDP of $10 billion by 2035.
The redevelopment scheme envisions a designated coastal tourism zone along the Gaza shoreline, comprising 180 mixed-use towers, while the interior region would accommodate residential communities, industrial zones for data centers, and manufacturing facilities. Infrastructure plans include the establishment of a port, airport, a tri-border crossing at Rafah, and a comprehensive network of ring roads connecting urban settlements in Gaza.
The initiative has sparked widespread backlash, particularly among displaced Palestinians, who express skepticism and discontent towards the involvement of accused war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump in shaping their future. Critics like Manal al-Qouqa and Suhail al-Hanawi voice concerns over the lack of tangible improvements and the perceived exploitation of Gaza’s resources and strategic location.
Criticism extends to social media, where users argue that the plan is merely a guise to exploit Gaza’s resources and eliminate Palestinian rights, rather than a genuine effort for development. The “Board of Peace” comprising various controversial world leaders, including Vladimir Putin, has faced scrutiny for its composition and intentions, with Trump announcing Putin’s addition alongside representatives from Belarus, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, and other contentious nations.
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