Key Takeaways
- A controversial plan proposes relocating Gaza’s two million residents to create “AI-powered smart cities” and a manufacturing hub.
- The project, under U.S. trusteeship for ten years, aims to transform Gaza into a tourism and tech hub without relying on federal funding.
Post-War Plans for Gaza Unveiled
A newly revealed document describes a bold plan to reshape Gaza, aiming to make President Donald Trump’s vision of a “Gaza Riviera” a reality. The proposal, disclosed by the Washington Post, suggests a systematic relocation of Gaza’s two million residents, while establishing advanced urban centers and an industrial hub named after Elon Musk.
According to the 38-page document titled the Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trust (GREAT Trust), the scheme involves “voluntary” relocations in exchange for digital tokens and housing during the reconstruction period. The plan is reportedly being considered by Trump’s administration and calls for the U.S. to oversee Gaza for approximately ten years. The objective is to lay the groundwork for a “reformed and deradicalized Palestinian Polity.”
The plan is backed by individuals involved with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group that has faced criticism for exploiting humanitarian efforts for political agendas. The U.S. State Department has not commented on the content of the proposal.
With an estimated reconstruction cost increasing Gaza’s economic value by around $324 billion, the GREAT Trust seeks investments in a variety of sectors, including data centers and luxury real estate. The concept includes leasing about 30% of publicly held land in Gaza to fund mega-projects, claiming a substantial asset value of $300 billion.
For those who choose to relocate, a financial package is proposed, including $5,000 for moving costs and rent subsidies. Predictions within the plan estimate that 25% of residents might relocate, with a significant portion not returning.
Though touted as a cost-saving approach, the plan raises significant ethical concerns. Critics highlight its potential contradictions with international law and the absence of provisions for Palestinian self-determination. The initiative emphasizes creating governance under the Abraham Accords yet fails to recognize an official Palestinian state, stirring further discontent among Palestinian and regional leadership.
Trump’s initial announcement of the “Gaza Riviera” drew immediate backlash from international leaders and rights organizations, which have raised alarms about ethnic cleansing in Gaza, allegations that Israel strongly denies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the controversial proposal, adding complexity to the unfolding situation.
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