Trump’s Gaza Reconstruction Plan: $112 Billion Vision and a Funding Dispute

A major reconstruction plan for Gaza drafted during Donald Trump‘s administration has surfaced. The $112 billion proposal, called Project Sunrise, outlines a futuristic vision for the war-torn territory. The plan was first reported by The Wall Street Journal this week.

The US State Department has publicly denied a key detail from some news reports. It specifically rejected claims the US would pay over half the plan’s total cost. This clarification came via an official social media post.

Inside the “Project Sunrise” Blueprint

Project Sunrise is a 32-slide proposal led by Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff. It was drafted with input from Israeli officials. The document envisions a completely transformed Gaza.

The plan includes luxury beach resorts and a high-speed rail network. It also proposes AI-optimized smart grids for energy and water. A slide describes “reimagining Gaza as a ‘smart city’.”

The city of Rafah is central to the vision. It would become Gaza’s new seat of governance. The plan calls for over 100,000 permanent housing units there.

It also includes hundreds of schools and dozens of hospitals. Billions would be invested in utilities and commercial zones. The goal is to monetize 70% of Gaza’s coastline.

Breaking Down the Massive Costs

The total 10-year cost is estimated at $112.1 billion. Housing reconstruction is the largest single expense. It is projected to cost $36.1 billion.

Humanitarian support is the next biggest line item. Infrastructure and utility rebuilding follows. Security costs are also a significant part of the budget.

The plan includes payroll for a new public sector. Non-payroll operational expenses are also factored in. These administrative costs total over $20 billion.

How Would the Plan Be Funded?

Financing would come from grants and new debt. According to The Wall Street Journal, this portion is just under $60 billion. The US would anchor at least 20% of the total support.

The executive summary states the US commitment clearly. It says America will be a “substantial anchor.” However, the exact percentage above twenty is not specified.

The World Bank is also expected to play a financing role. This follows traditional models for major international reconstruction. Private investment is anticipated for commercial projects.

Implementation has a strict pre-condition. Hamas must fully demilitarize and decommission all weapons. The plan cannot begin without this security guarantee.

Officials suggested work could start in two months if conditions are met. The timeline is ambitious given the scale of destruction. Gaza currently has an estimated 68 million tonnes of rubble.

The revelation of Project Sunrise provides a detailed look at one potential future for Gaza. The $112 billion plan now enters a complex debate about reconstruction and funding. Its feasibility remains tightly linked to elusive security and political solutions.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Project Sunrise?

Project Sunrise is a $112 billion reconstruction blueprint for Gaza drafted during the Trump administration. It outlines a decade-long plan to rebuild the territory with modern infrastructure, housing, and commercial zones.

How much would the US pay under this plan?

The US would anchor at least 20% of the total project costs. This contradicts some reports claiming the US would fund over half. The exact final US contribution is not detailed in the proposal.

What are the main features of the proposed rebuild?

The plan envisions “smart city” technology, luxury beach resorts, and a high-speed rail line. It focuses heavily on transforming Rafah into a new administrative hub with extensive housing, schools, and hospitals.

When could reconstruction start?

Officials suggested work could begin within two months, but only if security conditions allow. A key requirement is the complete demilitarization of Hamas, which is a major obstacle.

Who drafted the Gaza reconstruction plan?

The proposal was led by Donald Trump‘s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Israeli officials provided input during the drafting process.