On January 22, 2026, Jared Kushner, special envoy to President Donald Trump, unveiled a detailed plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, referred to as "New Gaza," at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The proposal includes dozens of skyscrapers lining the Mediterranean coast, as well as housing estates in the Rafah area, alongside a comprehensive map outlining residential, agricultural, and industrial developments intended for the region's 2.1 million inhabitants.
During the presentation, Kushner stated that a total investment of over $25 billion is anticipated to rehabilitate Gaza's infrastructure and utilities. The plan proposes the construction of more than 100,000 housing units, 200 educational institutions, and 75 medical facilities in what is envisioned as a revitalized living space. The reconstruction aims to cater to the nearly 90% of residential structures in Gaza that have been damaged or destroyed during the recent conflict.
President Trump, addressing the audience, highlighted the strategic value of Gaza's location, expressing optimism about the project. He said, "We're going to be very successful in Gaza. It's going to be a great thing to watch," emphasizing his background as a real estate developer.
Kushner also mentioned the importance of demilitarization, insisting that "Hamas has to give up their weapons." The reconstruction plan hinges on this security element, suggesting the establishment of a new technocratic Palestinian government, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), which would oversee the transition.
The timeline for the plan features a phased approach, starting with Rafah and extending to other regions, aiming for significant developments within two to three years. A separate conference in Washington is expected to address funding and investment opportunities from international contributors.
As this initiative is met with both anticipation and skepticism, many commentators like Palestinian-American writer Susan Abulhawa have labeled it as an effort to erase Gaza's indigenous character, suggesting that the plans could lead to a compromised societal fabric. Despite the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire, this monumental effort aims to reshape Gaza into a new economic hub reflecting modern urban development practices.
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