The United States' New Gaza Plan

The New Gaza Plan is a development and reconstruction initiative unveiled by the U.S. administration in January 2026, aiming to rebuild and economically restructure the Gaza Strip in the post-war period. The plan was announced within the framework of the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland. It was developed within a structure initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and presented to the public by Jared Kushner.

Context of Emergence

The Gaza Strip has suffered extensive destruction as a result of Israeli military operations; residential areas, infrastructure facilities, and basic services have largely become unusable. In the aftermath of the war, various international scenarios for Gaza’s future have emerged. The New Gaza Plan is an initiative developed by the United States within this context, targeting the physical, economic, and spatial reorganization of the region.

Presentation and Institutional Framework

Davos Announcement

The plan was made public during the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026. The presentation stated that Gaza would be entirely rebuilt after the war, its economy transformed, and new investment zones established. The presentation was attended by international investors and government representatives.

Jared Kushner’s Role

The overarching framework of the plan was introduced by Jared Kushner. Kushner asserted that Gaza needed to be “redesigned,” outlining the intention to replace existing settlement patterns with new urban areas, economic zones, and commercial centers. The plan explicitly proposed the geographic reconfiguration of Gaza.

Plan Content

Spatial Reorganization

Under the plan, different areas of the Gaza Strip are to be reorganized according to specific functions. Tourism and commercial zones are planned along the coastline, industrial and logistics centers in inland areas, and new housing projects in designated locations. The reconstruction process is intended to proceed gradually from south to north.

Economic Model and Financing

The economic dimension of the plan anticipates billions of dollars in international investment. Reconstruction is planned to be carried out through private sector investment and external financing. The goal is to position Gaza as a long-term regional hub for trade and investment. The plan is structured around a narrative of development and growth.

Security Conditions

The feasibility of the plan is tied to the establishment of security. Statements emphasized the necessity of neutralizing armed groups and bringing the region under military control. Security conditions are defined as a prerequisite for economic activity and the reconstruction process.

The Position of Palestinians

The Issue of Local Participation

There is no indication in the preparation or presentation of the plan that Palestinians living in Gaza or Palestinian political institutions were directly involved in the process. Local representation is absent from decision-making mechanisms. This has raised questions regarding the plan’s legitimacy and practicality.

Property Rights and Displacement

The publicly disclosed portions of the plan contain no detailed provisions regarding Palestinian property rights, the status of displaced populations, or return processes. The manner in which existing property structures in Gaza would be addressed has not been clearly defined.

International Reactions

European Countries

Following the announcement of the plan, several European countries emphasized the necessity of including Palestinians in Gaza’s reconstruction process. Germany stated that reconstruction plans cannot be sustainable without Palestinian participation.

International Media and Public Opinion

The plan has been assessed from various angles in the international media. Criticisms have focused on its exclusion of Palestinian political rights, sovereignty claims, and property rights. Interpretations have emerged suggesting that treating Gaza as an investment and development zone disregards the region’s political realities.

Debates and Criticisms

The New Gaza Plan has been criticized on the grounds that it seeks to reshape Gaza’s future without the consent of its Palestinian population. It has been evaluated as prioritizing economic and spatial transformation over humanitarian and political dimensions. Opinions have been expressed that addressing Gaza’s reconstruction independently of a political solution will not resolve the region’s fundamental issues.