A confidential plan from the Trump Administration reveals that the Gaza Strip will be governed by a U.S. trust for at least a decade following the end of the war, and that its more than two million inhabitants will be relocated, either outside the enclave or to special areas during reconstruction.
The proposal -revealed by The Washington Post- includes a radical transformation of the territory: from a war-torn enclave devastated by Israeli bombings to a tourist and technology hub funded by international private capital.
The document, spanning 38 pages, outlines an ambitious project known as Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trust (GREAT Trust), which promises to turn Gaza into a “Middle Eastern Riviera” without direct budgetary intervention from the U.S. government.
In exchange for handing over their lands, the Palestinians would receive payments, subsidies, and a digital token with future value, in a scheme aimed at encouraging their voluntary departure while new smart cities are built upon the ruins.
A trust to rebuild and transform
The GREAT Trust would act as a fiduciary administration with full control of the enclave for ten years.
Its goal would be to reurbanize Gaza from scratch, creating between six and eight “smart cities powered by artificial intelligence,” equipped with housing, schools, hospitals, light industries, and data centers.
The plan also includes beach resorts, golf courses, highways named after Gulf leaders, and eventually, artificial islands like those in Dubai.
The funding would come exclusively from private capital and non-U.S. public investments, estimated at $100 billion.
According to projections, the expected return would quadruple the investment in a decade, thanks to self-generated income from what the plan refers to as "mega-projects."
Unlike previous initiatives, the trust would not rely on international donations or U.S. federal funds.
"It does not depend on donations", emphasizes the document, distinguishing itself from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is currently distributing food aid in the southern part of the enclave with the support of private security contractors.
Incentivized relocation
One of the central points of the plan is the mass relocation of the Gazan population, presented as "voluntary" but conditioned on the possibilities for reconstruction within the territory.
The more than two million Palestinians could choose to move to another country or to temporarily relocate to "restricted and safe areas" within Gaza while the work is ongoing.
Each person who decided to leave the enclave would receive $5,000 in cash, along with subsidies for four years of rent and one year of food.
The trust estimates that each relocation would save $23,000 compared to the cost of keeping that person within Gaza during the reconstruction process.
Landowners would be offered a digital token in exchange for their redevelopment rights, redeemable in the future for an apartment in one of the new cities or for assistance in starting a life in another country.
Those who stay or return after the reconstruction would receive apartments valued at $75,000.
Entrepreneurs, consultants, and former military personnel
The design of the GREAT Trust was led by a group of Israeli entrepreneurs headed by Michael Eisenberg and Liran Tancman, the latter being a former military intelligence officer.
The financial planning was carried out by a team from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), whose members were later dismissed, as confirmed by the consultancy itself.
Some of the creators of the plan were also involved in the establishment of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an organization that is controversial for operating with armed contractors and maintaining close ties with Israeli and American interests.
The proposal suggests that Israel transfer administrative authority over Gaza to the trust through a bilateral agreement with the U.S., with the possibility of involving Arab countries and creating a multilateral institution.
During the first year of implementation, Israel would maintain general security rights over the enclave, while internal protection would be in the hands of private military contractors and national forces from third countries.
Reactions and internal meetings
Although the White House has not issued official statements, The Washington Post confirmed that the plan was discussed recently in meetings held in Washington.
Among the participants were Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.
An anonymous source with knowledge of the discussions stated to the newspaper that the government "has a very comprehensive plan."
It is unclear whether the leaked proposal exactly represents the official vision, but two sources close to the process assured that it was designed to realize Trump's ideas regarding Gaza.
During his 2024 campaign, the president promised to swiftly end the war, but once in power, he shifted his focus to the reconstruction of the enclave.
“It must be rebuilt in a different way”, he stated in February.
"Gaza is a phenomenal location… by the sea, with the best weather. Everything is good. Beautiful things can be done there," he added.
In the same vein, at a press conference alongside Netanyahu, Trump asserted that “the United States will take charge of the Gaza Strip” and spoke of a “long-term ownership position.”
Displacement, legality, and background
The possibility of transferring Gazans outside the enclave has been historically discussed in certain sectors of Israeli politics.
Since the Israeli withdrawal in 2005, the enclave has been governed by Hamas, with a fragile balance maintained through intermittent military escalations.
In recent weeks, Israel has concentrated the population in Rafah, in the southernmost part, and has announced a new offensive to take the northern part of Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that he does not seek to take over the enclave, but insists that Israel must maintain permanent security control. Some members of his coalition have even proposed complete annexation.
Several countries have been mentioned as potential destinations for displaced Palestinians: Libya, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Indonesia.
None of them, except for Indonesia -which has welcomed Palestinian patients for medical reasons- has confirmed their participation.
Somaliland is not even recognized as an independent state by the international community.
Trump recently declared that they are "evaluating that right now," in reference to the host countries.
Its administration has refrained from confirming diplomatic commitments on the matter.
Legal critiques and opposition from Gaza
International law experts have warned that any attempt to prevent the return of displaced populations or to fail to ensure their basic welfare during the process could constitute a violation of international humanitarian law.
“The urgency is extreme. The scale of the reconstruction project is extreme. And the political situation is as uncertain as ever,” stated Yousef Munayyer from the Arab Center in Washington.
From Gaza, the reactions show disapproval.
Other proposals under dispute
The GREAT Trust plan adds to a long list of proposals for the "day after" in Gaza.
The Biden administration presented a roadmap for a Palestinian state in January, featuring a transitional government overseen by the UN and a selected Palestinian police force.
For its part, Egypt proposed in March a government of Gazan technocrats supported by funding from the Gulf.
Both plans have been rejected by Israel and by sectors of the Trump administration, the only actors who have openly discussed relocating the population outside the enclave.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. More than 60,000 people have died according to local organizations, and nearly half a million are facing extreme levels of hunger.
90% of the housing is destroyed, and the outlook for the civilian population darkens in a scenario where their own future is being negotiated without their involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Plan for the Future of Gaza
What is the GREAT Trust plan for Gaza proposed by Trump?
The GREAT Trust plan is a project of the Trump Administration that proposes to transform the Gaza Strip into a "Middle Eastern Riviera." It is a trust managed by the United States for ten years, with the intention of turning the territory into a tourist and technological hub. The initiative includes the redevelopment of the enclave with smart cities and mega-projects financed by international private capital.
How would the relocation of the population of Gaza be carried out according to the plan?
The relocation of the population of Gaza is presented as voluntary, but contingent upon the possibilities for the reconstruction of the territory. More than two million Palestinians are offered the option to move to other countries or to safe areas within Gaza during the reconstruction works. Those who choose to leave would receive financial compensation, such as a payment of 5,000 dollars and subsidies for rent and food.
What are the criticisms of Trump's plan for Gaza?
The plan has been criticized for potential violations of international humanitarian law. Experts point out that preventing the return of displaced populations or failing to ensure their well-being could be illegal. Moreover, the project faces opposition from Gaza and international sectors, which view it as an imposed solution that does not take into account the perspective of the Palestinians.
What would the GREAT Trust project cost and how would it be funded?
The GREAT Trust project is estimated at $100 billion, funded exclusively with private capital and non-U.S. investments. The proposal would not rely on international donations or federal funds from the United States, unlike previous initiatives. It is anticipated that the return on investment will quadruple its value within a decade.
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