US Unveils ‘New Gaza’ Plan Featuring Skyscrapers and Large-Scale Reconstruction

US Unveils Ambitious ‘New Gaza’ Reconstruction Plan with Skyscrapers and Modern Infrastructure

Vision for a Rebuilt Gaza Presented at Davos

The United States has unveiled an ambitious plan to rebuild Gaza from the ground up under a project dubbed “New Gaza,” marking a dramatic shift in the future vision for the war-torn Palestinian territory. The proposal was presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos during the signing ceremony of President Donald Trump’s newly established Board of Peace, which has been tasked with overseeing the ceasefire process and Gaza’s reconstruction. Visual presentations showcased a transformed Mediterranean coastline filled with skyscrapers, modern housing developments, and large-scale infrastructure projects designed to support Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.

Trump and Kushner Outline Ambitious Reconstruction Goals

President Trump described Gaza’s coastal location as a prime opportunity, emphasizing its potential for economic revival and long-term development. Drawing on his background in real estate, Trump said the transformation of Gaza could become a powerful symbol of recovery and prosperity. His son-in-law Jared Kushner, who played a key role in brokering the ceasefire that began in October, detailed the scale of destruction, noting that roughly 90,000 tonnes of munitions had been dropped on Gaza, leaving behind an estimated 60 million tonnes of rubble. Kushner said the reconstruction plan is designed for what he called “catastrophic success,” with no alternative plan in place.

Master Plan Highlights Skyscrapers, Ports, and Industrial Zones

According to slides revealed at the event, the US “Master Plan” includes more than 180 tower blocks in a designated coastal tourism zone, alongside residential neighborhoods, industrial complexes, data centers, and advanced manufacturing hubs. The proposal also includes parks, agricultural zones, and sports facilities aimed at restoring both economic activity and quality of life. A new seaport and airport are planned near the Egyptian border, along with a trilateral crossing point connecting Gaza, Egypt, and Israel. Reconstruction is set to occur in four phases, beginning in Rafah and gradually moving north toward Gaza City.

‘New Rafah’ at the Center of Early Development

One of the most detailed elements of the plan focuses on “New Rafah,” which would include more than 100,000 permanent housing units, 200 educational institutions, and 75 medical facilities. Rafah, once home to around 280,000 people, has been largely destroyed during the conflict and currently lies within Israeli-controlled territory. Kushner stated that rebuilding New Rafah could be completed within two to three years, adding that rubble removal and preliminary demolition work has already begun.

Security, Demilitarisation, and Political Challenges

Security remains a central pillar of the plan. A buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt has been designated as a “security perimeter,” where Israeli forces would remain until Gaza is deemed fully secure. Kushner announced that demilitarisation efforts are “starting now,” stressing that investor confidence depends on long-term security. He said Gaza’s new technocratic governing body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), would work with Hamas to enforce demilitarisation commitments. Hamas has historically resisted disarmament without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, prompting Trump to warn that failure to surrender weapons would bring severe consequences.

Humanitarian Reality and Ongoing Ceasefire Strains

Despite the ceasefire, conditions on the ground remain dire. The United Nations estimates that 81% of structures in Gaza are destroyed or damaged, with nearly one million people lacking adequate shelter and 1.6 million facing acute food insecurity. Israeli strikes have reportedly killed hundreds of Palestinians since the ceasefire began, while Israel says several of its soldiers have also died in attacks by armed groups. Hamas has accused Israel of undermining ceasefire efforts, while Israeli leaders insist that Hamas must leave Gaza entirely for lasting peace to take hold.

International Reactions and What Comes Next

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised President Trump’s leadership but emphasized that the true test lies in Hamas relinquishing control. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called for the full implementation of the peace plan, including Israeli withdrawal and a central role for the PA in governing Gaza. Meanwhile, NCAG head Ali Shaath announced that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt will reopen next week, signaling what he described as Gaza’s reopening to the future after years of war and isolation. As the US prepares to host a donor and investment conference in Washington, the “New Gaza” plan now faces the complex challenge of turning bold visions into reality amid deep political, security, and humanitarian uncertainties.