The US government has unveiled an ambitious plan to rebuild the war-torn Gaza Strip, envisioning a 'New Gaza' with towering skyscrapers and modern infrastructure. This proposal, presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, aims to transform the devastated Palestinian territory into a thriving hub. The plan, known as the 'Master Plan', outlines a comprehensive development strategy for the 2.1 million residents of Gaza, covering residential, agricultural, and industrial zones. President Donald Trump, a key figure in this initiative, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'We're going to be very successful in Gaza. It's going to be a great thing to watch.'
The 'Master Plan' includes a detailed map, showcasing a coastal tourism zone with 180 tower blocks, residential areas, an industrial complex, data centers, advanced manufacturing hubs, parks, agricultural lands, and sports facilities. A new seaport and airport are proposed near the Egyptian border, with a trilateral crossing point where Egyptian and Israeli borders meet. The redevelopment will be a four-phase process, starting from Rafah and gradually extending towards Gaza City.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the plan is the 'security perimeter' marked on the map, which Trump's 20-point peace plan refers to. This area, running along the Egyptian and Israeli borders, will remain under Israeli control until Gaza is deemed secure. The 'New Rafah' section of the plan promises over 100,000 permanent housing units, 200 education centers, and 75 medical facilities. However, the current humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with nearly 1 million people lacking adequate shelter and 1.6 million facing acute food insecurity.
Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a key negotiator in the ceasefire agreement, emphasized the demilitarization of Gaza, stating, 'Hamas signed a deal to demilitarize, and we will enforce it.' He also mentioned the removal of rubble and the progress in demolition work, aiming to complete the construction of 'New Rafah' in two to three years. Kushner's plan also involves a conference in Washington, where contributions from countries and investment opportunities for the private sector will be announced.
The initiative has sparked controversy, as it suggests the potential permanent relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries. This idea was met with outrage globally when Trump first proposed it. Additionally, the plan's success hinges on Hamas's willingness to demilitarize, which has been a longstanding demand. Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas, stating, 'They have to give up their weapons, or it will be the end of them.' The ongoing conflict, triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with over 71,560 people killed in Gaza alone.
