US Announces Ambitious Plans for a 'New Gaza' Featuring Skyscrapers

Fri Jan 23 2026 03:29:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

At the World Economic Forum, the United States revealed a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to build a new infrastructure that includes high-rise buildings, parks, and advanced manufacturing zones.

During a presentation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the US outlined plans for a 'New Gaza' designed to rebuild the war-torn region with skyscrapers, new residential and agricultural areas, and industrial complexes. The initiative aims to transform living conditions for the 2.1 million residents of Gaza, coinciding with a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The plan includes significant investments and development phases for long-term recovery in the region.

The US has unveiled its plans for a 'New Gaza' that would see the devastated Palestinian territory rebuilt from scratch.

Slides showed dozens of skyscrapers stretching along the Mediterranean coast and housing estates in the Rafah area, while a map outlining the phased development of new residential, agricultural, and industrial areas for the 2.1 million population.

They were presented during a signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos for President Donald Trump's new Board of Peace, which is tasked with ending the two-year war between Israel and Hamas and overseeing reconstruction.

'We're going to be very successful in Gaza. It's going to be a great thing to watch,' Trump declared.

'I'm a real estate person at heart and it's all about location. And I said: 'Look at this location on the sea. Look at this beautiful piece of property. What it could be for so many people.'

Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who helped broker the ceasefire that took effect in October, stated that 90,000 tonnes of munitions had been dropped on Gaza, and there were 60 million tonnes of rubble to clear.

A map of the US 'Master Plan' showed a zone reserved for 'coastal tourism', where there would be 180 tower-blocks, as well as a number of zones for 'residential areas', 'industrial complex, data centres, advanced manufacturing' and 'parks, agriculture, and sports facilities'.

A new seaport and airport would be built near the Egyptian border, along with a 'trilateral crossing' where the Egyptian and Israeli borders converge.

The redevelopment would be divided into four phases, starting in Rafah and then gradually moving north towards Gaza City.

Another slide indicated 'New Rafah' would feature more than 100,000 permanent housing units, 200 education centres, and 75 medical facilities.

Kushner expressed optimism, believing it was 'doable' to complete the construction in two to three years, citing ongoing debris removal and demolition progress.

Despite commendations for the plan, challenges loom as Hamas has historically resisted disarmament without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, an issue Trump directly addressed by demanding compliance with demilitarisation.

The fragile ceasefire remains a pressing concern, with recent reports indicating ongoing conflicts and dire humanitarian conditions, complicating recovery efforts in Gaza.