History replaced by ‘data centres’
The “New Gaza” map presented by Kushner proposes the elimination of numerous existing neighbourhoods, historic sites and landmarks that are part of Gaza’s identity and history.
The plan assumes a flat, ready-to-build surface. However, engineering experts point out that building high-rises on such terrain is technically fraught.
“This is real estate fantasy rather than urban planning,” Alraouf argues. He suggests that from an engineering standpoint, the huge amount of debris might be repurposed not for reconstruction, but for terraforming, potentially using the rubble to reclaim land from the sea to create the artificial landscapes shown in the renderings.
To better understand what this new plan would look like on the ground, we superimposed the newly proposed map onto a map of Gaza before Israel’s bombardment.
The map below shows which of Gaza’s neighbourhoods and famous landmarks would be transformed into “coastal tourism” areas, “industrial complexes”, “parks”, and “residential areas”.
Areas allocated for ‘coastal tourism’
- Shati refugee camp
- Most of Remal – This neighbourhood housed many high-rise buildings, including al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip. It also contained the Islamic University of Gaza, Al-Azhar University-Gaza, Al-Aqsa University, and various United Nations buildings.
- All of Deir el-Balah refugee camp
- Large parts of al-Mawasi
Areas allocated for ‘industrial complex, data centres and advanced manufacturing’
- All of Beit Hanoon
- Nearly all of Beit Lahiya – The once-thriving agricultural area, known especially for its plump strawberries that locals called “red gold”, has been systematically razed by Israeli bulldozers and heavy machinery, reducing fields to dirt.
- All of Gaza’s Old City – Home to several historic sites that date back more than 1,000 years, this area includes the Great Omari Mosque and two of Gaza’s churches: Saint Philip the Evangelist Chapel and Saint Porphyrius Church.
- Half of Shujayea and Zeitoun neighbourhoods – These are among the largest neighbourhoods in Gaza City, translating to “courage” and “olive,” respectively, from Arabic.
Areas allocated for ‘parks, agriculture and sports facilities’
- Most of Jabalia refugee camp – One of the largest refugee camps in the Strip that has been repeatedly attacked by Israel.
- Most of Daraj
- All of Maghazi refugee camp
- Barquq Castle
While the inclusion of green areas is usually viewed as a positive development, for Palestinians, particularly in the occupied West Bank, what are referred to as green areas or parks by Israel are often designated as military zones. For Palestinians, these spaces are heavily restricted, and Israel routinely governs access, allowing its forces to move in and out at will while significantly limiting Palestinian freedom.
Areas allocated for ‘residential areas’
- Large parts of Sheikh Radwan
- Most parts of Sabra and Tal al-Hawa
- Most of Nuseirat refugee camp
- Parts of al-Mawasi
