Representatives from the Trump administration have introduced an ambitious plan to transform Gaza into a modern “smart city” through a proposed investment of $112 billion. Dubbed “Project Sunrise,” this initiative aims to rebuild the war-torn region into a vibrant international destination. The development plan, spearheaded by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, along with other senior White House aides, outlines a ten-year timeline for its implementation.
The proposal, reported by the Wall Street Journal, is currently being presented to potential investor countries via a detailed 32-slide PowerPoint presentation. The vision includes the construction of luxury hotels, high-speed rail systems, and AI-optimized infrastructure, all designed to transform Gaza’s Mediterranean coastline into a bustling metropolis. The executive summary emphasizes the project’s potential, stating, “Gaza’s destruction has been profound, but we believe what lies ahead is not just restoration — it’s a chance to develop a gateway of prosperity in the Middle East with state-of-the-art infrastructure, urban design, and technology.”
$60 billion of the total budget is proposed to come from the United States in the form of grants and debt guarantees. The project envisions a comprehensive approach to governance and urban management, with plans to establish a “Chief Digital Office” and an innovation lab to set standards and guide policymaking.
While the presentation outlines various phases of construction, it does not provide specifics on how to accommodate the estimated 2 million Palestinians who may be displaced during the extensive redevelopment. Following the conflict, there is an estimated 68 million tons of rubble in Gaza, a stark reminder of the devastation caused by countless airstrikes.
Despite the grand vision, skepticism surrounds the plan, particularly concerning the role of Hamas. US officials have expressed doubts about the feasibility of the project, especially if disarmament of the militant group is a prerequisite for its implementation.
In recent developments, Witkoff held discussions in Miami with delegations from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar to explore the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan. As international stakeholders consider the potential for rebuilding Gaza, the success of Project Sunrise remains contingent on overcoming significant political and logistical challenges.
