A bold proposal has emerged to transform war-torn Gaza into a modern international destination, with an estimated budget of $112 billion. Dubbed “Project Sunrise,” the initiative seeks to rebuild Gaza over a ten-year period, introducing advanced infrastructure and technology. The plan was developed by Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, along with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and a team of White House aides.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the proposal outlines extensive renovations, turning the devastated area into a vibrant metropolis. Plans include the construction of luxury hotels, high-speed rail systems, and AI-driven smart grid features, all aimed at revitalizing the Mediterranean coastline. The executive summary of the presentation asserts, “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.”
Funding and Implementation Details
The total projected cost of $112 billion is proposed to be funded over a decade, with the United States pledging to contribute $60 billion in grants and debt guarantees. One slide from the presentation emphasized the vision of reimagining Gaza as a “smart city” with technology-driven governance and services. The proposal also suggests the establishment of a Chief Digital Office and an innovation lab to define standards and guide policy-making.
Despite the ambitious nature of the proposal, details regarding potential investor countries or companies remain unspecified. While distinct phases of construction are outlined, concerns exist about housing the approximately 2 million Palestinians who may be displaced during the extensive rebuilding process. Currently, Gaza is estimated to have around 68 million tons of rubble resulting from extensive damage inflicted by Israeli airstrikes during the two-year conflict.
Skepticism and Future Discussions
U.S. officials familiar with the proposal have expressed skepticism regarding its feasibility, primarily due to the requirement that Hamas disarm as a precondition for implementation. In a related development, Witkoff met with delegations from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar in Miami on October 14, 2023, to discuss the next steps for the ongoing Gaza cease-fire plan.
While the vision for Gaza’s future is ambitious, the complexities of regional politics and the humanitarian implications of large-scale reconstruction efforts remain significant challenges that need to be addressed for Project Sunrise to become a reality.
