The Trump administration has developed the "Sunrise" project, which is intended to transform the Gaza Strip into a high-tech coastal metropolis and a futuristic resort, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The plan was developed by a team led by Trump's special envoy for Middle East affairs, Steve Wittkoff, and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The $112.1 billion project includes construction of housing, schools, hospitals, infrastructure and resorts. It is seen as a 20-year road map, which, according to the authors, is intended to turn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East".
The plan envisages the reconstruction of Gaza in four stages, from demining and construction of temporary housing for residents to the creation of "smart" cities with hotels and transport hubs. It is proposed to start the implementation in the south, in Rafah and Khan Yunis regions. It is not known which countries or companies will finance the reconstruction of Gaza. It is also not mentioned where the 2 million Palestinians displaced during the reconstruction will live.
Sources told the WSJ that the US has presented the plan to potential sponsors, including representatives of the Gulf states, Turkey and Egypt.
Some US officials were suspicious of the plan. They noted that its implementation will be possible only if Hamas agrees to disarm. There are also other obstacles to development in the region. After the Israeli strikes, most of the Gaza Strip has been turned into ruins, the area is covered with 68 million tons of rubble, in which thousands of corpses are buried, and there are also unexploded bombs.
Meanwhile, Trump administration officials plan to begin implementing the program within two months if there is no escalation in the region, the WSJ reported. "It is impossible to convince anyone to invest in Gaza if they are sure that in two or three years there will be another war," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, commenting on the situation in the enclave. At the same time, he expressed confidence that the United States will find donors for the reconstruction of Gaza.
