The US has unveiled its plans for a 'New Gaza' that would see the devastated Palestinian territory rebuilt from scratch.
Slides showed dozens of skyscrapers stretching along the Mediterranean coast and housing estates in the Rafah area, while a map outlining the phased development of new residential, agricultural and industrial areas for the 2.1 million population.
They were presented during a signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos for President Donald Trump's new Board of Peace, which is tasked with ending the two-year war between Israel and Hamas and overseeing reconstruction.
We're going to be very successful in Gaza. It's going to be a great thing to watch, Trump declared.
I'm a real estate person at heart and it's all about location. And I said: 'Look at this location on the sea. Look at this beautiful piece of property. What it could be for so many people.'
Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who helped broker the ceasefire that took effect in October, expressed optimism about the plan, citing extensive destruction still to be addressed, including the need to clear 60 million tonnes of rubble.
A map showcased zones for tourism, residential, and industrial growth, along with plans for a new seaport and airport near the Egyptian border.
Despite ongoing challenges, Kushner believes that completing the construction of “New Rafah” could take as little as two to three years, stating, We've already started removing the rubble and doing some of the demolition. And then New Gaza. It could be a hope, it could be a destination, have a lot of industry.
However, the plan has raised concerns regarding the future of Gaza's population amidst the backdrop of conflict, as tensions remain high with ongoing hostilities reported.
