US reveals ambitious Gaza reconstruction plan featuring 180 skyscrapers, new cities, and economic hubs
Jared Kushner, son-in-law to former US President Donald Trump, unveiled a sweeping vision for the reconstruction of post-conflict Gaza at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026. The presentation outlined a “master plan” designed to transform the war-torn territory into a bustling commercial and tourist hub, signaling a definitive strategy with “no Plan B” for its future development. This detailed proposal emerged directly after the signing of the US President’s Peace Council charter, marking a critical step following the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas in October 2025.
Kushner, who played a pivotal role in brokering that initial ceasefire, expressed significant optimism regarding the ambitious project. He emphasized that any failure of the plan would be attributed to Hamas’s unwillingness to demilitarize, asserting this as the primary impediment to the aspirations of Gaza’s populace. The ambitious reconstruction effort follows two years of intensive Israeli bombardment, which, in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, has left over 80% of Gaza’s buildings either damaged or completely destroyed, underscoring the immense scale of the undertaking.
Kushner’s ambitious blueprint for Gaza
The proposed master plan, displayed graphically during the Davos presentation, envisions a complete transformation of the Gaza Strip. A prominent feature is a vast “coastal tourism zone” stretching along the shoreline, designed to accommodate up to 180 skyscrapers, many of which are expected to serve as luxury hotels and resorts. This extensive development aims to leverage Gaza’s Mediterranean coastline for economic growth and international appeal.
Beyond the tourism sector, the plan details significant infrastructure investments. A new deep-water port is slated for construction at the southwestern tip of Gaza, strategically located near the border with Egypt. Immediately inland from this new port, the blueprint designates a substantial area for the development of a modern international airport, a crucial component for fostering trade and connectivity. Notably, an older Gaza airport, destroyed over two decades prior in previous Israeli attacks, was not marked on the new development map, signifying a fresh start.
New urban centers and economic hubs
Kushner highlighted two major urban development initiatives: “New Rafah” and “New Gaza.” These projects are designed to address both the immediate housing crisis and long-term economic prosperity, creating integrated communities with essential services and industrial capabilities. The swift timeline for construction indicates an urgent need to rebuild and repopulate the devastated region.
“New Rafah” is planned to include more than 100,000 permanent housing units, alongside over 200 schools and more than 75 medical facilities. Kushner expressed hope that construction for these vital community assets could be completed within two to three years, noting that debris removal operations have already commenced. This focus on residential and social infrastructure aims to rapidly rehouse and support Gaza’s displaced population.
“New Gaza,” in contrast, is envisioned as a major industrial center, with the explicit goal of achieving full employment for the territory’s residents. Computer-generated images accompanying the presentation depicted a sprawling metropolis, bearing a striking resemblance to affluent Persian Gulf cities such as Doha and Dubai, complete with luxurious accommodations and modern waterfront office spaces, showcasing a vision of advanced urbanism.
Funding challenges and investor appeal
The sheer magnitude of Gaza’s reconstruction raises significant questions about its financing, a detail not thoroughly explored in Kushner’s presentation. While initial contributions are expected from various governments, with announcements anticipated at a forthcoming conference in Washington, the plan heavily relies on external investment. Kushner directly appealed to the private sector, promising “incredible investment opportunities” within the new Gaza.
Acknowledging the inherent risks associated with investing in a post-conflict zone, he urged potential investors to “come, have faith and invest in the people.” This call to action aims to attract the necessary capital to realize the ambitious infrastructure and urban development projects, emphasizing the potential for substantial returns on investment as the region stabilizes and grows.
Navigating political and security hurdles
Despite the optimistic outlook, the plan faces considerable political and security obstacles, particularly concerning the demilitarization of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. These issues, central to the stability of any future Gaza, were addressed with varying degrees of specificity, raising concerns among some observers. Human rights groups, like the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, voiced criticism, with founder Ramy Abdu stating that Palestinians “face a plan to eliminate their own presence, based on domestication, subjugation and control.”
A critical omission from Kushner’s current presentation was any mention of an international stabilization force (ISF), a key component of the original 20-point ceasefire agreement from October. That agreement had stipulated the creation of an ISF to facilitate the complete withdrawal of Israel’s military, which currently occupies over half of Gaza, including Rafah. While third-party nations have been reluctant to commit troops to such a force, and Israel has opposed certain potential participants like Turkey, the absence of this element from the updated plan is notable.
Future of Palestinian governance and aid
The question of governance in post-reconstruction Gaza also presents complex challenges, particularly concerning the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the future of international aid organizations. Kushner’s proposal outlines a new technocratic committee, composed entirely of Palestinian appointees, tasked with overseeing the demilitarization of Hamas. This committee is positioned as “a new government in Gaza,” a designation that has quietly concerned the PA, fearing it could undermine their centrality in Palestinian politics.
While a slide in the presentation referenced the PA as the eventual sole civil authority in Gaza “when it completes its reforms,” the immediate establishment of a new technocratic body suggests a transitional period of governance. Furthermore, the role of the UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), which provides vital public services to Palestinian refugees comprising more than half of Gaza’s population, appears to be minimized in the new vision. Kushner indicated a shift towards global “best practices” for education and healthcare, implying a potential end to UNRWA’s long-standing operations in the enclave.
Lessons from past initiatives
This is not the first instance of Jared Kushner presenting an ambitious vision for Gaza’s economic future. In 2019, he spearheaded the “Peace to Prosperity” summit in Bahrain, which also laid out plans for a “bustling commercial and tourist hub in Gaza and the West Bank.” However, that initiative, like many before it, failed to materialize due to a fundamental lack of political will across all factions involved, highlighting the enduring challenges of regional stability and cooperation.
Despite these historical precedents, Ali Shaath, designated head of the new technocratic committee for Gaza, expressed a strong commitment to moving forward, stating in a video declaration that it is crucial to “transform this moment into action.” As a tangible sign of progress, he announced the impending opening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt next week, symbolizing that the enclave “is no longer closed to the future and to the world.”
Gaza reconstruction, Jared Kushner plan, post-conflict development, New Gaza, Israel-Hamas ceasefire
