Could a war-torn region become an economic powerhouse by 2035 with the right push?
On Jan. 22, 2026, Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, unveiled a U.S.-backed vision at Davos, Switzerland, to transform the Gaza Strip into a “New Gaza” economic hub by 2035. Speaking at a signing ceremony for Trump’s new Board of Peace on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Kushner outlined a phased plan starting in Rafah and moving north to Gaza City, contingent on Hamas demilitarization. He emphasized the next 100 days would prioritize humanitarian relief, temporary shelters, and rubble clearance to lay the groundwork for long-term redevelopment.
According to The Times of Israel, the proposal has sparked debate over whether lasting peace and prosperity can take root under such strict conditions. While ambitious, the plan’s reliance on Hamas disarmament raises hard questions about feasibility in a region long mired in conflict.
Kushner stressed that security is the cornerstone of the initiative, without which rebuilding cannot start. He detailed parallel efforts with Israel on de-escalation and with Hamas on demilitarization, framing it as a break from Gaza’s decades of dependence on foreign aid. That reliance, he argued, has stripped residents of dignity and hope, something this plan aims to reverse with free-market principles akin to Trump’s domestic approach.
“Without that, we can’t rebuild,” Kushner warned during his remarks. That’s a hard-nosed truth—capital won’t flow into chaos, no matter how noble the vision. If peace isn’t locked in, this remains a pipe dream.
The plan’s demilitarization-first approach ties reconstruction to verified weapons collection, starting with Hamas’s heavy arms being decommissioned immediately. Small arms would follow, gathered sector-by-sector by a new Palestinian police force, with rebuilding limited to fully disarmed zones. Hamas operatives surrendering weapons could gain amnesty, reintegration, or safe passage, with some potentially joining the police after strict vetting.
“If Hamas does not demilitarize, that will be what holds back Gaza,” Kushner asserted. He’s right to pin progress on this—without disarmament, no amount of investment or infrastructure can secure a future for Gaza’s people. It’s a bold gamble, but the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Once disarmament is confirmed, the IDF would pull back to a security perimeter around Gaza, with further withdrawals linked to on-ground advances. Kushner also highlighted a new Palestinian technocratic body, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, tasked with restoring civil life through security, services, and transparent governance, backed by Arab partners.
On immediate needs, Kushner dismissed famine claims, noting over 55,000 aid trucks and 1.4 million pallets delivered during the conflict, calling it a historic humanitarian effort. The next 100 days will focus on relief, shelter, and clearing debris to pave the way for bigger projects. An investment conference in Washington is planned soon to secure donor pledges and private-sector involvement.
The plan projects over $25 billion in investment, aiming for Gaza’s GDP to surpass $10 billion by 2035, with household incomes averaging above $13,000. Infrastructure, like a port, airport, workforce housing, industrial zones, and a Mediterranean tourism corridor are envisioned. It’s a lofty target, but one that could redefine the region if security holds.
A day prior at Davos, Trump warned Hamas to honor their stated commitment to disarm, adding a sharp edge to the diplomatic push. Despite this, Hamas chief Khaled Mashal’s December rejection of disarmament, citing weapons as their honor, casts a shadow. Kushner, however, insisted there’s no fallback option, only the current framework.
Kushner urged critics to halt public jabs for 30 days, aiming to cool tensions between Israel, Turkey, Qatar, and others. His stated goal is peace between Israel and the Palestinians, emphasizing a shared desire for dignity and peaceful coexistence. It’s a call for patience in a region where tempers often flare.
Progress hinges on Hamas’s willingness to disarm in the coming weeks, a non-negotiable for Kushner. If they balk, the plan stalls, leaving Gaza’s people caught in the crossfire of ideology and inaction once again. This isn’t just about rebuilding brick and mortar—it’s about rebuilding trust and opportunity. While skeptics abound, dismissing decades of aid dependency for self-reliance through market-driven growth is a refreshing shift from endless handouts.
Ultimately, the “New Gaza” vision offers a rare chance to break a cycle of despair, but only if security is achieved. Let’s hope the coming investment conference sparks real momentum, not just more empty promises.