Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, together with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, have reportedly drafted a $112.1 billion blueprint to transform Gaza into a high-end, luxury hub.
The project, dubbed “Project Sunrise,” envisions revamping the war-torn region with hotels, high-speed rail, and AI-powered infrastructure, echoing Trump’s earlier suggestion that Gaza could become “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
The Vision Behind Project Sunrise
According to sources, the plan has been developed over six weeks in consultation with senior White House aide Josh Greenbaum, Israeli officials, and private contractors.
It outlines a decade-long investment, with roughly half of the $112 billion expected to be covered by U.S. grants and debt guarantees.
The remaining funds would supposedly come from private investors, though specifics remain unclear.
Challenges Before Construction Can Begin
Officials warn that initiating the project will be no small task.
Before construction, teams would need to clear 10,000 bodies beneath 68 million tons of rubble, remove unexploded ordnance, and detoxify the ground.
Additionally, Hamas would need to disarm, decommission tunnels, and step aside — a condition many experts consider unlikely given the group’s entrenched presence in Gaza.
Phased Approach: From Survival to Luxury
The proposal outlines a four-phase plan starting with temporary shelters, field hospitals, and mobile clinics to tend to the injured.
Following this, the groundwork would involve paved roads, new power lines, and agricultural projects.
Only after these basics are established would the more futuristic elements — luxury hotels, AI-powered electricity grids, and tourism infrastructure — come into play.
Funding Gaps and Displacement Concerns
While the U.S. has presented the plan to Turkey, Egypt, and Gulf nations, the source of the remaining funds beyond U.S. support is unspecified.
Additionally, the plan does not clarify how the two million Palestinians living in Gaza would be managed during large-scale construction, raising questions about displacement and humanitarian logistics.
Political Hurdles and Skepticism
Experts are skeptical that Hamas would demilitarize long enough to allow the plan to move forward.
The project would also establish a transitional governance structure with oversight by a new Board of Peace chaired by Trump, excluding Hamas from government roles.
Israel’s hardline ministers, meanwhile, are pressing for guarantees of full disarmament before any reconstruction proceeds.
Trump’s Broader Middle East Vision
Trump has framed the initiative as part of a broader Middle East peace and rebuilding effort, claiming the Israel-Hamas ceasefire would usher in “everlasting peace.”
He has called on neighboring states to contribute investments and emphasized that ending the war on October 7 marked a historic breakthrough in regional diplomacy.
Questions About Priorities
While Project Sunrise focuses heavily on luxury redevelopment, many critics argue that Gaza’s immediate needs — homes, healthcare, and essential infrastructure — should take precedence.
The debate continues: should the region prioritize grandiose redevelopment, or focus first on rebuilding lives and communities devastated by conflict?
Moving Forward
For now, the ambitious plan remains a draft, contingent on political, logistical, and humanitarian hurdles.
If implemented, it would be one of the largest reconstruction projects in modern history — but only time will tell whether the vision of a luxury Gaza will ever materialize amid the region’s complex realities.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn