With the poise of a developer revealing a high-end real estate project, Jared Kushner unveiled his latest diplomatic endeavor while standing beneath well-executed renderings of a reimagined coastline. Although Davos served as the backdrop, the goal was to reach the broken skyline of Gaza. Kushner presented a $50 billion plan called “New Gaza,” his voice composed and his graphics shining.
A four-phase reconstruction plan that starts in Rafah and moves northward is at the center of this endeavor. The objectives are unquestionably audacious: a large seaport, dozens of hospitals, and 100,000 contemporary housing units. In addition, the plan calls for areas for luxury travel, a center for the digital economy, and even a tech corridor that is expected to increase GDP tenfold by 2035. Glass will replace concrete, and tech parks will take the place of refugee tents—every square inch of the proposal speaks to economic transformation.
| Key Person | Jared Kushner |
|---|---|
| Official Role | Former White House Senior Advisor, Peace Executive Board Member |
| Initiative | “New Gaza” Redevelopment and Stabilization Plan |
| Announced On | January 22, 2026 at the Davos Economic Forum |
| Core Proposals | 100,000 housing units, 75 medical centers, 200 schools, port, airport, tourism sector |
| Notable Concern | No Palestinian representation; implementation requires Hamas disarmament |
| Reference Link | https://www.nbcnews.com/world/gaza/jared-kushners-vision-gaza-gleaming-port-city-clashes-reality-rcna255569 |
The requirements for implementation are especially stringent, though. The complete disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a “technocratic” local government structure, overseen by a 15-member council of Palestinian experts previously approved by the Board of Peace, are prerequisites for rebuilding. Notably, this board has no Palestinian political leaders on it, only Israeli officials and former diplomats.
Humanitarian organizations have issued warnings in recent weeks that the conflict has left behind an estimated 60 million tons of rubble and that over 70,000 people have died in Gaza since late 2023. If loaded onto freight trains, that volume alone would make a full circuit of the planet. It might take years to clear. The prospect of new apartments feels particularly far away to many residents who are currently sleeping under torn tarpaulins.
Kushner has created anxiety by portraying reconstruction as a transaction that depends on order, compliance, and financial investment. Even though he admitted that construction “won’t start until the ground is secured,” his tone was remarkably positive. That might have seemed like a reasonable requirement to the present investor class. However, it seems like a denial of agency to displaced families in Jabalia or Deir al-Balah.
The initiative portrays itself as a source of optimism with its glitzy presentations and GDP projections. However, it ignores a fundamental human reality: development that lacks dignity seldom lasts. Although convincing, Kushner’s assurance ignored more important concerns like representation, transitional justice, and land restitution. Gaza could become a redevelopment zone instead of a political crisis as a result of that omission.
He made the almost casual remark, “Peace is different from a business deal,” halfway through his speech. The moment was remarkably candid, but it was quickly followed by economic forecasts and employment statistics. I couldn’t help but wonder if those estimates were for prospective purchasers or policymakers.
A large number of Palestinians feel left out of this calculation. One displaced resident claimed that he doubted he would ever be permitted to return, which is why he intended to set up a tent where his house used to be—not because he lacks imagination. These tales, quietly told to visiting reporters, stand in stark contrast to Davos’s architectural optimism.
According to estimates, the plan does provide employment opportunities—more than 500,000 jobs. However, these figures assume a level of stability that does not yet exist. Aid convoys are regularly refused or delayed at the Gaza border, which is still strictly regulated. A key component of Kushner’s logistics plan, the proposed trilateral commercial crossing close to Rafah, is still only a concept. While leaders sketch out beachfront resorts, mothers wait in line for bread on the ground.
The situation is even more complex when considering Israeli policy at the moment. As a member of the Peace Executive Board, Prime Minister Netanyahu is still against Palestinian Authority rule over Gaza. Both Fatah and Hamas are rejected by his coalition partners. In the meantime, a reformed PA is likely to be installed as a governing partner in later stages of the Kushner plan. Progress may be halted before it starts because of this contradiction between expressed optimism and political paralysis.
Notably, there has been a mixed response from around the world. Humanitarian organizations contend that the plan lacks moral depth, despite some governments praising its economic potential. Homes that might never be rebuilt can be found in Gaza’s coastal area, which is marked in pink for “tourism development.” This vision might turn into more of a digital fantasy than a diplomatic instrument in the absence of accountability or consultation.
However, there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the plan to rebuild Gaza. Conversely, it is extremely urgent. Who determines what that future looks like is the question, not whether reconstruction should take place.
With its billion-dollar club entry and investor-led governance, Kushner’s model raises legitimate equity concerns. Economics by itself is not a cure for displacement. A refugee who has lost a home and a daughter may not be influenced by waterfront renderings or GDP graphs. They desire recognition. They desire a voice.
The Peace Executive has started reaching out to regional stakeholders in private over the last few weeks. However, those initiatives run the risk of being seen as public relations rather than policy if there are no clear routes for Palestinian inclusion. Once planted, disillusionment spreads swiftly.
Hamas has flatly rejected the plan. However, the lack of local consultation has been pointed out by even moderate voices from Gaza City and Ramallah. According to Amjad Shawa, the head of a well-known aid organization, no briefings had been given to civil society organizations. This lack of involvement could seriously harm any future collaboration.
The Kushner team has created a plan that could work on paper by utilizing financial incentives and well-crafted messaging. Paper, however, is not concrete. Credibility must be carefully and consistently earned; it cannot be purchased, particularly after a conflict.
The people of Gaza require more than just a plan if their future is to be built rather than purchased. They require involvement. And they need it right now, while the cement is still being mixed, not after the dust has settled.
