International press reports have shed light on the behind-the-scenes workings of the so-called 'Peace Council' established by US President Donald Trump to oversee security and reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip. Sources warned that this project could turn into a platform for profiteering by the political and financial elite close to the White House, under the guise of humanitarian initiatives and the development of destroyed infrastructure.
During the council's inaugural meeting, President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, attempted to downplay concerns about personal financial gains from the reconstruction process. Kushner affirmed that the project team consists of volunteers who are making significant efforts without seeking personal profits, emphasizing that the goal is regional stability and the development of the Strip.
However, these statements clashed with reports indicating vast investment opportunities that attendees of the meeting are seeking to seize, directly or indirectly. Kushner himself revealed at the Davos Economic Forum a 'master plan' worth approximately $30 billion, aimed at transforming Gaza's historical landmarks into industrial zones, data centers, and tourist resorts.
Observers in Washington believe that Kushner represents a key channel for the flow of public and private funds into Gaza, especially with his management of 'Affinity Partners,' which invests billions of dollars on behalf of Gulf sovereign wealth funds. These connections raise questions about the use of political influence to secure massive commercial contracts in conflict zones.
In a related context, the White House announced the collection of nearly $17 billion for the Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund, which will be technically managed by the World Bank. However, the 'Peace Council,' chaired by Trump in his personal capacity, will be responsible for setting policies and directing the spending of these massive sums, giving it extended authority that transcends official presidential terms.
Signs of commercial competition began to emerge clearly with leaked information about contracts being awarded for the construction of military bases and logistical facilities for international forces tasked with protecting civilians. Leaked documents indicated that American companies specializing in disaster response submitted plans guaranteeing exorbitant profits of up to 300% in exchange for monopolizing transportation and logistical services for many years.
Investor presentations also revealed promises of very high annual returns ranging from 46% to 175% during the first year of operation in the new 'Gaza Supply System.' International contractors liken the current situation in Gaza to what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan, where businessmen and large corporations raced to get rich from internationally funded reconstruction contracts.
For his part, billionaire Yakir Gabay, the Israeli representative on the Council, called for transforming the Gaza Strip's coast into what he described as the 'Mediterranean Riviera.' His vision includes building some 200 hotels, tourist resorts, and artificial islands, considering the coast an untapped real estate asset that could economically change the face of the region.
In the same vein, Marc Rowan, CEO of 'Apollo Global Management' and a member of the Council, provided an estimate of the inherent economic value of Gaza's assets. According to his estimates, the value of the coast, housing stock, and infrastructure exceeds $115 billion, affirming that these assets only need to be opened up to global investment and necessary financing.
The dominance of real estate magnates and private investment firms in the council's formation raises deep concerns about the lack of transparency and ethical standards in the reconstruction process. Political experts warn that prioritizing purely commercial logic may disregard the real needs of the Palestinian population who have suffered the ravages of war and destruction.
Informed sources reported a significant gap between ambitious investment plans and the deteriorating humanitarian reality in the Strip, where the focus is on profitable projects instead of urgent relief. Analysts believe that the role of businessmen in shaping Gaza's future may fundamentally conflict with the requirements of justice and Palestinian national sovereignty.
In conclusion, the 'Peace Council' remains under international scrutiny, amidst questions about its ability to balance the commercial interests of its members with its stated humanitarian mission. The absence of clear accountability mechanisms opens the door to wide possibilities for abuse of power and the diversion of donor funds to serve private agendas.
Reconstructing Gaza will provide amazing investment opportunities for the private sector, and everyone is trying to get a piece of this project.
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Behind the Scenes of the 'Peace Council': Billion-Dollar Investment Plans Raise Concerns of Profiteering in Gaza