Gaza, devastated by years of conflict, could be rebuilt as a high-tech metropolis and Mediterranean resort under a "Project Sunrise" initiative drafted by Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz, with the potential for substantial long-term investment returns. (AFP)

Informed sources revealed that the 32-page presentation, led by Kushner—U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law—and envoy Berkowitz, outlines a phased development blueprint spanning over 20 years. The plan, estimated to cost $112.1 billion (approximately 145 billion Singapore dollars) in its first decade, aims to transform the Gaza Strip into a high-tech urban hub.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday (December 19), Kushner, Berkowitz, and White House senior aide Ari Fleischer spent 45 days crafting the document labeled "sensitive but unclassified." It details cost projections for the multi-decade initiative but provides no specifics on which countries or companies will fund the reconstruction, nor how the 2 million displaced Palestinians will be resettled during the process.

U.S. officials stated the proposal has been presented to potential donor nations, including wealthy Gulf states, Turkey, and Egypt. Under the draft, the first 10 years of development will require $112.1 billion, with the U.S. committing to act as an "anchor" by backing up to 20% or more of nearly $60 billion in grants and loans. The World Bank is also expected to play a financing role.

Reconstruction will proceed in four phases, starting in Rafah and Khan Yunis in the south, then expanding northward to the capital Gaza City. After a decade, as Gaza begins generating economic returns, investment costs are projected to decline. The development of Gaza’s coastline into a resort destination is expected to yield over $55 billion in long-term investment returns.

Some U.S. officials who have reviewed the plan express doubts about its feasibility, citing the prerequisite that Hamas must agree to disarm. Even if that condition is met, the U.S. would still need to persuade other wealthy nations to fund the transformation of war-torn and still dangerous Gaza into a high-tech city. However, other officials have praised the plan for offering a detailed and optimistic vision for Gaza’s future, contingent on Hamas laying down its arms.

Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, remarked: "Nothing will happen until Hamas disarms; Hamas will not disarm, so nothing will happen."

A White House spokesperson, when questioned, stated that the Trump administration continues to focus on Gaza peace efforts, "working responsibly with partners to sustain peace and lay the groundwork for a peaceful and prosperous Gaza."

Rubio: Establish Gaza Peace Council and Technocratic Body Soon

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed at a year-end press conference on Friday that the U.S. held a meeting with representatives from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt in Miami the same day to discuss the Gaza situation, including arrangements for the second phase of the ceasefire.

Rubio disclosed plans to promptly establish a Peace Council and a technocratic body composed of Palestinian experts to oversee daily governance, followed by the formation of an international stabilization force. He expressed confidence that multiple countries will contribute troops to the temporary international stabilization force.

Regarding funding for Gaza’s reconstruction, Rubio acknowledged that convincing donors will be challenging if another war is anticipated within the next two to three years. However, he expressed confidence in securing long-term support for Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian efforts.

Gaza, devastated by years of conflict, could be rebuilt as a high-tech metropolis and Mediterranean resort under a "Project Sunrise" initiative drafted by Jared Kushner and Avi Berkowitz, with the potential for substantial long-term investment returns. (AFP)

Informed sources revealed that the 32-page presentation, led by Kushner—U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law—and envoy Berkowitz, outlines a phased development blueprint spanning over 20 years. The plan, estimated to cost $112.1 billion (approximately 145 billion Singapore dollars) in its first decade, aims to transform the Gaza Strip into a high-tech urban hub.

As reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday (December 19), Kushner, Berkowitz, and White House senior aide Ari Fleischer spent 45 days crafting the document labeled "sensitive but unclassified." It details cost projections for the multi-decade initiative but provides no specifics on which countries or companies will fund the reconstruction, nor how the 2 million displaced Palestinians will be resettled during the process.

U.S. officials stated the proposal has been presented to potential donor nations, including wealthy Gulf states, Turkey, and Egypt. Under the draft, the first 10 years of development will require $112.1 billion, with the U.S. committing to act as an "anchor" by backing up to 20% or more of nearly $60 billion in grants and loans. The World Bank is also expected to play a financing role.

Reconstruction will proceed in four phases, starting in Rafah and Khan Yunis in the south, then expanding northward to the capital Gaza City. After a decade, as Gaza begins generating economic returns, investment costs are projected to decline. The development of Gaza’s coastline into a resort destination is expected to yield over $55 billion in long-term investment returns.

Some U.S. officials who have reviewed the plan express doubts about its feasibility, citing the prerequisite that Hamas must agree to disarm. Even if that condition is met, the U.S. would still need to persuade other wealthy nations to fund the transformation of war-torn and still dangerous Gaza into a high-tech city. However, other officials have praised the plan for offering a detailed and optimistic vision for Gaza’s future, contingent on Hamas laying down its arms.

Steven Cook, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, remarked: "Nothing will happen until Hamas disarms; Hamas will not disarm, so nothing will happen."

A White House spokesperson, when questioned, stated that the Trump administration continues to focus on Gaza peace efforts, "working responsibly with partners to sustain peace and lay the groundwork for a peaceful and prosperous Gaza."

Rubio: Establish Gaza Peace Council and Technocratic Body Soon

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed at a year-end press conference on Friday that the U.S. held a meeting with representatives from Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt in Miami the same day to discuss the Gaza situation, including arrangements for the second phase of the ceasefire.

Rubio disclosed plans to promptly establish a Peace Council and a technocratic body composed of Palestinian experts to oversee daily governance, followed by the formation of an international stabilization force. He expressed confidence that multiple countries will contribute troops to the temporary international stabilization force.

Regarding funding for Gaza’s reconstruction, Rubio acknowledged that convincing donors will be challenging if another war is anticipated within the next two to three years. However, he expressed confidence in securing long-term support for Gaza’s reconstruction and humanitarian efforts.