Imagine a war-torn Gaza Strip transformed into the 'Riviera of the Middle East'—a bold vision that has sparked both hope and controversy. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Ali Shaath, a Palestinian civil engineer backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, plans to bulldoze millions of tons of rubble into the Mediterranean Sea to create new land for Gaza. Sounds ambitious, right? And this is the part most people miss: Shaath believes he can rebuild Gaza’s shattered infrastructure within just three years, despite a 2024 UN report suggesting it could take until 2040 or beyond.
Shaath, a former deputy planning minister in the Western-backed Palestinian Authority, was appointed this week to lead a 15-member technocratic body tasked with administering Gaza after years of Hamas rule. Born in 1958 in Khan Younis, Shaath holds a PhD in civil engineering from Queen’s University Belfast and has overseen the development of industrial zones in the West Bank and Gaza. His appointment marks the next phase of Trump’s plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza, which includes Israel’s withdrawal from nearly half of the territory—though its troops still control the other half, a wasteland of destruction.
But here’s the controversial part: Shaath’s plan to push rubble into the sea and create new islands has raised eyebrows. While he argues it’s a practical solution to clear debris and expand Gaza’s land, critics question its environmental impact and feasibility. In an interview, Shaath confidently stated, ‘I can win new land for Gaza and clear the rubble at the same time.’ His priorities include providing urgent relief, such as temporary housing for displaced Palestinians, followed by rehabilitating essential infrastructure and reconstructing homes.
However, Shaath’s optimistic timeline faces significant challenges. Mediators are struggling to disarm Hamas, which refuses to surrender its weapons, and to deploy peacekeepers in the enclave. Additionally, Israel’s restrictions on importing heavy machinery—citing security concerns—could hinder reconstruction efforts. Here’s where it gets even more complicated: How will Shaath’s committee navigate these obstacles while gaining international support and permissions?
Hamas, surprisingly, has backed Shaath’s committee, with senior official Bassem Naim stating, ‘The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor, and the international community.’ Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also voiced support, emphasizing the need to link institutions in the West Bank and Gaza to avoid further division.
But here’s the burning question: Can Shaath’s vision truly unite a fractured Gaza, or will it deepen existing divides? And what does this mean for the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations? Trump’s phased plan, which includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, and humanitarian aid, has already faced setbacks, including Israeli airstrikes and delays in reopening Gaza’s border crossing with Egypt.
As of Thursday, Israeli strikes killed at least 10 people in Gaza, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad members, just a day after the U.S. announced the ceasefire’s second phase. Since October, over 400 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been reported killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the governing committee’s announcement as merely ‘symbolic,’ casting doubt on its effectiveness.
Shaath’s plan is undeniably bold, but its success hinges on navigating political, logistical, and humanitarian minefields. What do you think? Is Shaath’s vision a realistic path to Gaza’s revival, or is it a pie-in-the-sky dream? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
