A new United States initiative aimed at rebuilding the Gaza Strip, dubbed “Project Sunrise,” has ignited controversy and skepticism among political and academic circles. Critics argue the project’s rollout disregards the dire humanitarian situation in the region and the underlying causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The details of the plan were discussed during a recent episode of DZWatch’s current affairs program, where Dr. Mohamed El Sharkawy, a professor of international conflict resolution, and Dr. Hani al-Masri, director of the Palestinian Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies (MASARAT), analyzed the American plan and its potential objectives.
The “Sunrise Project,” reportedly spanning at least 10 years with an estimated cost of $112 billion, envisions transforming Gaza into a technologically advanced “smart city.” According to the American vision, the project will unfold in four phases, starting in the southern part of the Strip, specifically Rafah, then Khan Yunis, and culminating in Gaza City, which is intended to become a Mediterranean “Riviera”-like model.
Dr. El Sharkawy noted that this vision echoes the “economic peace” concept promoted by Jared Kushner during the Manama workshop five years prior. Kushner proposed allocating approximately $50 billion for development, not to end the occupation or resolve the Palestinian issue, but to integrate it into economic projects. He added that the current plan represents a more ambitious expansion, assuming the United States will contribute about 20% of the funding, while regional countries are expected to cover the rest.
DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
