How reconstruction became Israel’s new weapon of ‘silent transfer’ in Gaza | Israel-Palestine conflict
Kushner’s Vision for Gaza Contrasts with Harsh Reality on the Ground
Davos, Switzerland — At the recent World Economic Forum, Jared Kushner, a prominent real estate developer and son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, unveiled his ambitious plan for a “New Gaza,” featuring modern skyscrapers and a logistical corridor intended to connect a demilitarized enclave to international markets. However, the situation in the Gaza Strip presents a starkly different picture.
Approximately 3,000 kilometers away, the region remains buried under the remnants of conflict, with an estimated 61 million tonnes of debris littering the landscape. Following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October, violence continues, with reports indicating ongoing fatalities that reflect a quieter, yet persistent, conflict.
The potential for rebuilding Gaza remains uncertain, particularly regarding the entry of crucial construction materials such as cement and steel, which have been largely blocked by Israel.
A United Nations report states that 92 percent of Gaza has sustained destruction from a prolonged conflict, with reconstruction costs projected at $70 billion. Yet experts assert that any rebuilding efforts prioritize political objectives over humanitarian needs.
Ihab Jabareen, a researcher focused on Israeli-Palestinian affairs, stated, “Reconstruction is not the ‘day after’ the war; it is the continuation of war by bureaucratic and economic means.” He emphasized that for Israeli authorities, the process is seen as a means to establish control over the region without direct military governance.
Reconstruction: A Tool for Control
According to Jabareen, the Israeli government is using reconstruction as leverage, instituting what he describes as a “sovereignty by flow” strategy. “Whoever controls the flow of cement effectively shapes the political landscape of Gaza,” he noted, pointing out that Israel’s control over construction materials creates a system of “control without responsibility.”
This governance model entails three layers of extortion, including:
- Security extortion: Tying the flow of materials to continuous surveillance and maintaining a state of dependency.
- Political extortion: Using reconstruction efforts to determine local governance, suggesting that Israel will only allow progress under a compliant administration.
- Pacification extortion: Marketing access to basic needs as a reward for silence rather than recognizing it as a fundamental right.
The ‘Phoenix Plan’ for Local Empowerment
Experts in Gaza reject external plans, such as those proposed at the World Economic Forum, in favor of locally driven initiatives. Abdel Rahman Kitana, a professor at Birzeit University, advocates for the “Phoenix Plan,” developed by the Union of Gaza Strip Municipalities. This approach seeks to treat the rubble not as waste but as a resource for land reclamation.
Kitana insists that successful reconstruction must prioritize community involvement, stating, “We cannot succeed without the people themselves. They know their needs and their dreams.” He warns against solutions that disregard local perspectives, which could lead to an alienating environment.
Challenges in Only Rebuilding
Despite initiatives like the Phoenix Plan, significant barriers remain—namely, Israel’s “dual use” policy that restricts the entry of materials deemed potentially usable for military purposes. This list has increasingly included essential supplies such as medical equipment and construction materials.
Jabareen argues that the Israeli blockade is transforming from a security measure into a broader governance philosophy. By requiring approvals for each shipment of essential materials, he notes, the reconstruction remains in a state of limbo, prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian population.
Shifting the Narrative
Simultaneously, international policies promoted by the Trump administration frame Gaza’s challenges as a real estate issue rather than a matter of national rights, according to Jabareen. This perspective seeks to redefine the Palestinian narrative, aiming to develop a Gaza that is “economically useful” while diluting its national identity.
He describes this approach as “silent demographic engineering,” creating a vision for Gaza that may overlook the realities of its residents.
As reconstruction plans materialize, Jabareen warns of what he labels a “privatization of occupation.” Even if Israeli companies do not directly participate in rebuilding efforts, the logistics and security arrangements involved in the process can yield profits for Israeli firms.
The Weight of Time
One of the most insidious consequences of the current policy framework is the manipulation of time as a tool for displacement. With debris removal anticipated to take until 2032 and full reconstruction extending to 2040, Jabareen emphasizes that prolonged waiting can lead to societal decay and emigration.
“Time decomposes societies,” he stated, suggesting that Israel relies on the exhaustion of the Palestinian people to facilitate long-term displacement.
As efforts to transform Gaza into a more marketable entity continue, Jabareen warns that inaction could ultimately prove more effective than military intervention in reshaping the region.
