Introduction to the Plan
US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has presented a "master plan" for the redevelopment of the Gaza Strip. Using slides of development plans and images of skyscrapers and fancy apartments titled "New Gaza," Kushner said the Palestinian territory would become "a place where the people there can thrive and have great jobs."
Details of the Plan
Kushner spoke of investing at least $25 billion to rebuild destroyed infrastructure and public services in the devastated Palestinian territories. He mentioned that in the Middle East, cities are built for two or three million people in just three years, and something similar is possible if they can do it. The plan is seen as a hope and a goal for the region.
Background of the Conflict
The war between Israel and the militant group Hamas caused widespread devastation across the Gaza Strip. The conflict started with Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. A ceasefire took effect last October, reducing the level of bombing and fighting and increasing aid deliveries. However, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza continue to live in makeshift shelters in displacement camps or in bombed-out buildings.
Current Situation in Gaza
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 470 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the ceasefire began in October. The ministry keeps detailed records of casualties that are considered generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.
International Involvement
Trump is chairman of the so-called peace committee, which is supposed to oversee the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip after the war between Hamas and Israel. Traditional US allies such as France and Britain have expressed doubts about the board. Countries were required to pay $1 billion for permanent membership, and the invitation to Putin sparked controversy.
Previous Plans and Controversies
Nearly a year ago, Trump floated plans to transform Gaza into a “Middle Eastern Riviera,” a move that drew widespread condemnation. Trump has called the devastated Gaza Strip a “great piece of real estate.” At the time, he was vague about what would happen to the Palestinians living there, but said that "the people of the world… Palestinians too, Palestinians will live there. A lot of people will live there."
