Donald Trump’s plan, which envisions Gaza being taken over by Israel and transformed into a popular tourist destination, has become a major topic in the Israeli media. The plan was reportedly presented by economist Joseph Pelzman of George Washington University in July.
GAZA ATTACKS
On October 7, 2023, the Israeli military unleashed the final phase of its long-running crackdown on Palestinians. For more than a year, Israel has been carrying out horrific massacres in front of the world, killing an estimated 50,000 civilians in Gaza with its relentless bombing campaign.
The ceasefire, brokered by countries including Turkey, brought temporary relief to Gaza. However, Donald Trump, who was elected US president on a promise to end all wars, spoiled this short-lived joy.
Trump announced that Gaza would be taken over by Israel, rebuilt and turned into a tourist destination, saying: “Gaza is a real estate issue for the United States.”
PLAN AND ITS AUTHOR REVEALED
Trump’s statement has caused strong reactions around the world and remains in the spotlight. Countries such as Palestine and Turkey have spoken out against the plan, while new details have come to light.
Israeli media reports that the author of the plan is Professor Joseph Pelzman, director of the Center for Middle East and North African Economic Studies at George Washington University.
According to the “Times of Israel”, Pelzman made his plan for rebuilding Gaza public for the first time during a podcast by Israeli historian Dr. Kobby Barda. He also wrote an article titled “An Economic Plan for Rebuilding Gaza,” which was published in October in the Global World Journal.
GAZA MUST BE COMPLETELY EMPTY FOR RECONSTRUCTION
Pelzman’s plan involves the complete evacuation of Gaza. According to him, the region’s economy has collapsed and the damage is irreparable, so reconstruction requires the area to be empty.
COST: $1-2 TRILLION
According to Pelzman’s calculations, rebuilding Gaza with the “build-operate-transfer” model will cost $1 to $2 trillion and will take 5 to 10 years.
NEW LUXURY IN THE GAZA STRIP
The plan envisages the construction of international luxury hotels and restaurants along the Gaza coast. In the east, 30-story residential buildings will be built, while agricultural fields and greenhouses will be created in the city center.
EDUCATIONAL REFORM
Part of the plan is also a reform of the education system. According to the proposal, the current education system in Gaza fosters radicalism, and therefore a new, moderate and reformed education system based on the curricula of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is suggested.
The report also mentions that Pelzman presented this plan to the Trump team in July.
