A new proposal aims to transform war-torn Gaza into a modern “smart city” with an investment of $112 billion. Dubbed “Project Sunrise,” this ambitious plan has been developed by Jared Kushner, the former senior advisor to President Donald Trump, alongside US special envoy Steve Witkoff and several key aides. The initiative seeks to attract investments from various countries over a span of ten years, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The proposed plan envisions a complete renovation of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage due to ongoing conflicts. It includes building luxury hotels, high-speed rail systems, and an AI-optimized smart grid designed to enhance urban living. According to the project’s executive summary, “Gaza’s destruction has been profound, but we believe what lies ahead is not just restoration — it’s a chance to develop a gateway of prosperity in the Middle East with state-of-the-art infrastructure, urban design, and technology.”
$60 billion of the total cost will reportedly be covered by the United States through grants and debt guarantees. The project is presented through a detailed 32-slide PowerPoint that outlines the phases of construction, although it does not specify which countries or corporations are expected to invest in the rebuilding efforts.
Key Features and Challenges of the Proposal
One of the notable aspects of the plan includes the establishment of a “Chief Digital Office” and an innovation lab, aimed at guiding policy-making and setting standards for the new city. Despite its ambitious scope, the proposal has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the displacement of approximately 2 million Palestinians during the construction process. Notably, the plan lacks specifics on housing solutions for those affected.
The devastation in Gaza is substantial, with an estimated 68 million tons of rubble resulting from the conflict, which has seen thousands of Israeli airstrikes over the past two years.
US officials familiar with the proposal express skepticism about its feasibility. A significant hurdle includes the condition that Hamas must agree to disarm for the project to move forward.
On a related note, Steve Witkoff recently met in Miami with high-level delegations from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar to discuss the next steps in the Gaza cease-fire plan, indicating that diplomatic efforts are ongoing alongside the development proposal.
The ambitious vision of Project Sunrise presents both opportunities and challenges for the future of Gaza, highlighting the complexities involved in rebuilding a region deeply affected by conflict. The success of this initiative will depend not only on financial investments but also on the political landscape and the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue.
