Kushner's $30B Gaza Rebuild Plan Sparks Hope and Scrutiny in Davos
A $30 billion plan to rebuild Gaza was presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos by Jared Kushner. The proposal, part of a broader initiative called the College Board of Peace, aims to transform the war-torn region with large-scale development. Kushner, a key figure in the project, insisted that college board members would not personally profit from the redevelopment—though investment opportunities have been heavily promoted.
The College Board of Peace, chaired by former US President Donald Trump, will oversee Gaza's security and reconstruction. Trump hosted its first meeting, and the group has already raised around $17 billion for the Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund. This fund, managed by the World Bank, will be directed by the college board, with Trump retaining authority over its use even after his presidency.
Plans for Gaza include ambitious projects like a Mediterranean Riviera along its coastline, proposed by Israel's representative on the college board, Yakir Gabay. His vision features 200 hotels and artificial islands. Meanwhile, companies are already competing for contracts, including a 5,000-person military base and a 'Master Contractor' role for logistics and trucking.
Despite the high-profile announcements, no concrete contracts for infrastructure, construction, or logistics have been awarded yet. Public records show only general pledges, such as FIFA's $75 million for football projects and proposals from individuals like Gabay and entrepreneur Liran Tancman. The college board has also promoted a 'Gaza supply system,' promising investors returns of 46% to 175% in the first year.
Kushner's private equity firm, Affinity Partners, manages billions from Gulf states, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Critics have voiced concerns over whether financial influence could shape decisions about Gaza's future.
The College Board of Peace has set out a sweeping vision for Gaza, backed by billions in funding and bold development ideas. But with no contracts yet awarded and investment returns heavily advertised, the project's next steps remain uncertain. The college board's control over the fund—and its ties to major investors—will likely face continued scrutiny as plans move forward.
