Summary (tl;dr)

Jared Kushner is trending after unveiling a controversial "master plan" for the reconstruction and redevelopment of Gaza at the World Economic Forum, proposing luxury resorts and data centers amidst widespread criticism of it being a neocolonialist vision.

Essential Background

Jared Kushner, former White House senior advisor to President Donald Trump and his son-in-law, has a history of involvement in Middle East diplomacy, including his role in brokering the Abraham Accords and, more recently, a ceasefire in the two-year war between Israel and Hamas in October. The Gaza Strip has suffered immense destruction during this conflict, with an estimated 60-68 million tons of rubble and a severe humanitarian crisis.

The Full Story

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026, Jared Kushner presented a "master plan" for the post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, dubbed "New Gaza." The ambitious 20-point vision includes proposals for high-rise buildings, luxury tourist resorts, data centers, an airport, and a seaport, with the ultimate goal of "peace & prosperity". Kushner stated that there is "no plan B" for Gaza's reconstruction, which he estimated would cost at least $25 billion and take many years. A central condition for the plan's implementation is the demilitarization of Hamas, with reconstruction slated to begin in demilitarized areas, starting with "workforce housing" in Rafah. He also touted the White House's goal of applying "free market economy principles" to the redevelopment of Gaza and shifting its dependence from humanitarian aid. The plan was presented as part of an effort by Trump's "Board of Peace," an entity intended to oversee the ceasefire and reconstruction process.

Why It Matters

Kushner's plan has ignited significant controversy and criticism from human rights advocates and Palestinians, who have widely condemned it as a "neocolonial" attempt to exploit the devastation in Gaza for real estate opportunities. Critics argue that the vision resembles a "blueprint for ethnic cleansing," aiming to effectively erase Palestinians by building a "capitalist dystopia" on the ruins of the conflict, and point to the lack of consultation with the people of Gaza. Concerns have also been raised about the feasibility of such a large-scale project given the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the massive amount of rubble, and the political complexities, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to any postwar role for the Palestinian Authority, which Kushner's plan envisions taking over governance after reforms. Furthermore, questions about potential conflicts of interest have surfaced due to Kushner's real estate background and previous business dealings with foreign entities like Saudi Arabia, which reportedly invested in his firm shortly after he helped negotiate peace deals in the Middle East.

Geographic Location

• Davos, Graubünden, Switzerland (presentation of Gaza reconstruction plan at World Economic Forum)
• Gaza Strip, Palestine (subject of the reconstruction plan)
• Rafah, Gaza Strip, Palestine (initial focus for reconstruction and rubble-clearing)