The “Board of Peace” initiated by Donald Trump has unveiled a series of photographs showcasing the US President’s ambitious real estate plans for a future Gaza after conflicts. These images were presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, depicting a transformed Gaza coastline adorned with modern high-rise structures labeled as “New Gaza” and “New Rafah,” aiming to serve as commercial centers offering job opportunities, training, and essential services to the people of Gaza. However, these developments have faced severe criticism for potentially exploiting the region rather than aiding its residents.
The unveiled visuals depict a highly developed Gaza landscape, portraying it as a central transportation hub with concentrically arranged white housing neighborhoods. Promises of enhanced energy, digital infrastructure, significant investments, and profits are also highlighted in the presentation materials, including the construction of mixed-use towers along the Gaza coastline and designated zones for residential and industrial purposes within the Gaza Strip.
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and key investor, outlined a $25 billion proposal at the World Economic Forum to transform Gaza into a thriving economic center, projecting a potential GDP of $10 billion by 2035. The proposed plan envisions transforming a significant portion of the Gaza coastline into a tourist destination with the construction of 180 mixed-use towers, while the interior would accommodate residential areas and industrial zones for data centers and manufacturing facilities.
Infrastructure initiatives outlined in the proposal include the establishment of a port, an airport, a trilateral crossing at Rafah, and the development of a comprehensive network of ring roads to connect urban communities within Gaza. However, these proposals have triggered widespread outrage, particularly among displaced Palestinians who express skepticism and concern over the involvement of leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and the potential implications of the proposed developments on their future.
Critics, including displaced individuals like Manal al-Qouqa and Suhail al-Hanawi, have voiced their discontent with the plan, highlighting the lack of tangible improvements in their living conditions and expressing doubts about the promised benefits. Al-Hanawi criticized Netanyahu and Trump for their roles in global conflicts and expressed skepticism about the proposed plan’s ability to address the ongoing suffering of the displaced population.
Furthermore, social media commentary has raised suspicions about the underlying motives of the plan, suggesting that it may be designed to exploit Gaza’s natural resources and strategic location, potentially undermining the Palestinian cause and the right of return for displaced individuals.
Notably, the Board of Peace comprises controversial world leaders, including Vladimir Putin, alongside Trump, with plans to involve representatives from nations like Belarus, Hungary, and Saudi Arabia. As global tensions persist, particularly with Russian forces engaged in conflicts, the inclusion of leaders from contentious regimes has sparked further debate and skepticism regarding the intentions behind such collaborations.