US unveils plans for 'New Gaza' with skyscrapers

January 22, 2026

The Trump administration has presented an ambitious reconstruction plan for Gaza at the World Economic Forum in Davos, featuring detailed designs for Mediterranean coastal skyscrapers, new housing developments, and infrastructure including airports and seaports. The proposal, overseen by Trump's newly established Board of Peace, would rebuild Gaza in phases starting from Rafah and moving northward, requiring massive rubble clearance after extensive war damage. The plan's success hinges on Hamas agreeing to complete demilitarization, with Trump warning of severe consequences if they refuse to surrender their weapons.

Who is affected

Gaza's 2.1 million Palestinian residents
Hamas and its members
Israeli forces and the three soldiers killed in recent attacks
477 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes during the ceasefire period
Five people killed by Israeli fire on Thursday
Nearly 1 million people lacking adequate shelter
1.6 million people facing acute food insecurity
Former residents of Rafah (approximately 280,000 people)
Israeli hostages held by Hamas and their families
Palestinians detained in Israeli jails
The Palestinian Authority under President Mahmoud Abbas
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) led by Ali Shaath

What action is being taken

Trump's Board of Peace is overseeing reconstruction efforts
Rubble removal and demolition work have already started
The demilitarization of Gaza is "starting now" according to Kushner
The NCAG is working with Hamas on demilitarization
Israeli forces are remaining in a "security perimeter" along borders
Humanitarian aid deliveries are surging under the ceasefire agreement
The Rafah border crossing is scheduled to open next week in both directions

Why it matters

This reconstruction plan represents a massive geopolitical and humanitarian undertaking that could fundamentally reshape Gaza's physical landscape and future. The success or failure of this initiative will determine whether Gaza's 2.1 million residents can transition from devastation to stability, or whether the conflict continues. The plan's viability depends entirely on Hamas's willingness to demilitarize—something they have historically rejected without statehood guarantees—making this a critical test of whether diplomatic agreements can hold. The outcome will also significantly impact regional stability, Israeli-Palestinian relations, and the broader Middle East peace process, while setting precedents for post-conflict reconstruction in other war-torn territories.

What's next

A conference will be held in Washington in the coming weeks where countries will announce contributions and private sector investment opportunities will be outlined
The Rafah border crossing with Egypt will open next week in both directions
Construction of "New Rafah" is planned to be completed in two to three years
Phased redevelopment will gradually move north from Rafah towards Gaza City
Hamas must hand over the body of the last dead Israeli hostage

Read full article from source: BBC