Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, showcased an ambitious master plan for Gaza's reconstruction on Thursday, emphasising 'coastal tourism' corridors with high-rise developments. The presentation occurred during the Board of Peace ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Kushner outlined a vision to transform the war-torn area.
Detailed Reconstruction Framework
In his PowerPoint presentation, Kushner revealed that the plan includes the construction of 100,000 permanent housing units and the creation of 500,000 jobs across various sectors. These industries encompass construction, agriculture, manufacturing, services, and the digital economy, aiming to revitalise Gaza's infrastructure and economy.
Phased Implementation and Initial Steps
Kushner explained that the reconstruction will be conducted in phases, starting with the city of Rafah. He noted that demolition and removal of rubble are already underway, signalling the beginning of practical efforts. The plan envisions achieving 100% employment and providing 'opportunity for everyone' as part of its phased approach.
Accompanied by generated images depicting the Gaza coastline with skyscrapers and yachts, Kushner expressed optimism about the timeline. 'We think this can be done in two, three years,' he stated, highlighting the ambitious nature of the project.
Security and Demilitarisation Components
Kushner detailed the security aspects of the plan, which initially considered dividing Gaza into a 'free zone' and a 'Hamas zone'. However, he shifted focus to what he termed 'catastrophic success', based on Hamas agreeing to demilitarise. 'Hamas signed a deal to demilitarize. That is what we're going to enforce,' Kushner told the audience.
He outlined that Hamas's heavy weapons will be decommissioned immediately, while small arms will be handled sector by sector by a new Palestinian police force. This force may include vetted members of Hamas after rigorous screening. Reconstruction will only commence in sectors that achieve full disarmament, with Kushner adding that Hamas members could be 'rewarded with amnesty and reintegration, or safe passage'.
Trump's Vision and Historical Context
Donald Trump, speaking at the event, reflected on his real estate background, emphasising Gaza's potential. 'And it's all about location,' he said. 'Look at this location on the sea. Look at this beautiful piece of property, what it could be for so many people. People that are living so poorly are going to be living so well.'
Kushner's master plan echoes Trump's earlier pitch of transforming Gaza into the 'Riviera of the Middle East'. In February of last year, Trump stated, 'The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too,' and shared an AI-generated video on Truth Social depicting futuristic resort complexes and Trump-themed imagery.
Board of Peace and Broader Implications
Trump signed the charter for his 'Board of Peace' in Davos, with the organisation aiming to promote stability and lawful governance in conflict-affected areas. Originally focused on ending the Gaza war, the board now has a wider role, which some in Europe fear could rival or undermine the United Nations.
During his speech, Trump claimed the war in Gaza is 'coming to an end' and now consists of 'little fires', with a commitment to ensure Gaza is demilitarised and 'beautifully rebuilt'. The White House supported this vision in a statement, calling Trump a 'visionary' whose plan will allow Palestinians to resettle in new communities and improve regional conditions for generations.
