A new initiative to transform Gaza into a high-tech urban center has emerged, estimated to cost over $112 billion. This ambitious proposal, named the “Sunrise Project,” was developed by Steve Witkoff, a U.S. envoy, and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. The project is intended to be funded with 20 percent of the total costs covered by the United States.
The plan, detailed in a 32-page PowerPoint presentation reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, outlines a ten-year timeline for its realization. Despite the extensive planning, tensions remain high regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza. On the same day the plan was reported, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that negotiations for phase two of the Gaza ceasefire are far from progressing due to Hamas’ refusal to disarm.
While Hamas has expressed a willingness to “bury” its weapons and transfer authority to a Palestinian governing body, concerns remain about the inclusion of capable leaders. Israel has rejected the involvement of many Palestinian technocrats and bureaucrats deemed suitable for governance in Gaza, complicating the potential for a stable administration.
The proposed reconstruction plan aims to address not only the physical infrastructure but also the socio-economic conditions in Gaza. The hope is that a modernized urban environment could foster peace and stability in a region plagued by conflict. The U.S. government’s financial commitment, if realized, could significantly influence the project’s success and the broader peace process.
As discussions unfold, many questions linger about the feasibility of the plan and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure its implementation. The complex dynamics between Israel, Hamas, and Palestinian authorities will play a crucial role in determining the future of Gaza and the possibility of a lasting resolution to ongoing tensions in the region.
