Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A sweeping US$25 billion plan to rebuild Gaza and transform it into a regional economic hub has been unveiled by Jared Kushner, senior adviser and special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, as part of the newly established Peace Council framework. The initiative, which extends through 2035, aims to radically reshape Gaza’s economy, infrastructure, and governance following years of conflict and devastation.
According to Kushner, the plan targets raising Gaza’s gross domestic product to more than US$10 billion within a decade and increasing average annual household income to over US$13,000. He said the initiative is designed to address Gaza’s chronic unemployment and economic stagnation by creating large-scale job opportunities and restoring hope for long-term prosperity. Kushner added that the Palestinian technocratic committee designated to administer Gaza was selected carefully to ensure efficiency and professional competence.
Phased reconstruction from south to north
The reconstruction strategy is built around a phased geographic approach, beginning in southern Gaza and moving northward. The first phase focuses on Rafah and Khan Younis, followed by an expansion of development in Khan Younis. The third phase targets the central refugee camps, while the final stage concentrates on rebuilding Gaza City.
Urban planning proposals include dedicating large sections of Gaza’s Mediterranean coastline to marine and leisure tourism, alongside the construction of around 180 mixed-use high-rise towers. Residential and industrial zones covering more than 25 square kilometers are planned to host advanced manufacturing facilities, data centers, and digital economy infrastructure, positioning Gaza as a future node in regional technology and logistics networks.
Infrastructure at the core of the vision
The Peace Council estimates that more than US$25 billion will be required to develop modern public facilities and essential services. Key infrastructure projects include the construction of a new seaport and airport, a trilateral border crossing at Rafah, a freight railway line with a rear logistics corridor, and an integrated road network linking Gaza’s urban centers.
A dedicated US$1.5 billion allocation is earmarked for vocational training and workforce rehabilitation, with the goal of creating more than 500,000 jobs across construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services. An additional US$3 billion investment fund is planned to support commercial zones, economic districts, and small grants, aimed at stimulating entrepreneurship and attracting local and foreign investment.
Peace Council and governance framework
Earlier on the day of the announcement, President Trump signed the founding charter of the Peace Council, stating that it would operate in coordination with the United Nations. Trump said the United States is committed to rebuilding Gaza following the disarmament of militant groups, describing the current moment as a breakthrough for Middle East peace that few had anticipated. He noted that 59 countries are now participating in various peace tracks across the region.
Initially proposed as a mechanism to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, the Peace Council’s mandate has since been expanded to support global peace-building efforts. The council’s charter defines it as an international organization tasked with promoting stability, restoring legitimate and trusted governance, and ensuring durable peace in conflict-affected or high-risk regions.
Notably, the council includes a streamlined executive committee empowered to take urgent military and economic decisions without lengthy parliamentary or international approval processes—a provision that has already sparked debate among analysts over oversight and accountability.
Supporters of the plan argue that it represents the most comprehensive economic vision for Gaza in decades, while critics caution that its success will hinge on sustained security, political legitimacy, and inclusive governance. As discussions continue, the proposal places Gaza’s future squarely at the intersection of post-conflict reconstruction, regional integration, and high-stakes geopolitics.
