Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” has unveiled a collection of images showcasing the US President’s ambitious real estate plans for a future post-conflict Gaza.
The photographs, disclosed by the board at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, depict a rejuvenated Gaza coastline adorned with modern high-rise structures. The proposed “New Gaza” and “New Rafah” aim to serve as commercial centers offering employment opportunities, education, and essential services to the people of Gaza. However, these plans have faced severe criticism, with many viewing them as a scheme by developers and authoritarian figures to exploit the region.
The images have stirred up memories of the early AI-driven initiatives for Gaza under the Trump administration.
The visuals presented by the board portray a highly developed Gaza featuring a network of transportation hubs, concentrically arranged residential areas, and promises of advanced energy and digital infrastructure. The proposal emphasizes substantial investments and anticipated returns for the region.
Speaking at the WEF, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a prominent investor, introduced a $25 billion (£18.5 billion) plan to transform Gaza into an economic powerhouse, projecting a GDP of $10 billion (£7.4 billion) by 2035.
The initiative envisions transforming a significant portion of the Gaza coastline into a designated area for tourism, with 180 mixed-use towers dotting the skyline. The inland areas of the Gaza Strip would be allocated for residential neighborhoods and industrial zones to accommodate data centers and manufacturing facilities.
Infrastructure proposals outlined this week include plans for a port, an airport, a trilateral crossing at Rafah, and an extensive network of ring roads akin to American urban planning, connecting Gaza’s various communities.
These proposals have sparked widespread outrage, particularly among displaced Palestinians, who feel apprehensive about their future being subject to the decisions of accused war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli Defense Forces, under Netanyahu’s leadership, have been responsible for over 70,000 fatalities since October 7, 2023.
Critics, including displaced Gazan Manal al-Qouqa, expressed to Al Jazeera their distress over the continuous announcements of new plans, which they believe only exacerbate Palestinian suffering. Another displaced Palestinian, Suhail al-Hanawi, attributed the ongoing conflicts to Netanyahu and Trump, accusing them of perpetuating global warfare without offering concrete solutions for a brighter future.
Al-Hanawi remarked, “Regarding the Board of Peace and our community’s displacement, there is a lack of tangible evidence to instill hope for genuine improvements or relief from our ongoing hardships.”
One social media commentator critiqued the proposal, alleging that it is a guise to exploit Gaza’s natural resources, particularly its natural gas reserves. They argued that the plan aims to exploit Gaza’s strategic location, eliminate the right of return, and effectively bring an end to the Palestinian cause.
Comprising a mix of controversial world leaders, the Board of Peace includes figures beyond the polarizing Trump, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Amid ongoing conflicts between Russian forces and Ukraine, Trump announced Putin’s inclusion on the board alongside representatives from contentious nations like Belarus and Hungary in Europe, as well as from authoritarian regimes in the Middle East like Saudi Arabia.
At Reach and our affiliated entities, we and our partners utilize information obtained through cookies and other identifiers on your device to enhance your website experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized advertisements. You can opt out of data sharing and sales by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button on our webpage. By using our services, you consent to the use of cookies and agree to our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.