In a revelation that has stirred international controversy, Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and former senior advisor to Donald Trump, proposed a contentious plan for Gaza's future, suggesting its prime waterfront real estate could be 'very valuable' and that Palestinians should be 'moved out'. The comments, made during a conversation at Harvard University, have drawn widespread condemnation.
Kushner's Vision: A 'Waterfront Property' for Gaza
During the discussion, Kushner, who was a key architect of the Trump administration's Middle East policy, framed the devastation in Gaza as an 'opportunity'. He argued that the strip's location on the Mediterranean Sea made it ripe for commercial development. 'Gaza has a lot of waterfront property,' Kushner stated. 'It could be very valuable... if people would focus on building up livelihoods.'
His solution involved the mass displacement of the local population. The leaked audio reveals his belief that the effort to get civilians out of the line of fire in southern Gaza was a worthwhile endeavour, implying a more permanent resettlement.
Tony Blair's Involvement in Post-War Plans
The report also sheds light on the role of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. As the executive chairman of the Institute for Global Change, Blair has been actively involved in behind-the-scenes discussions regarding a post-war plan for Gaza. His institute has been working on a reconstruction proposal, positioning him as a significant, though unofficial, player in the diplomatic manoeuvring.
This involvement has attracted criticism from those who view Blair's continued influence on Middle Eastern politics, particularly following his role in the 2003 Iraq war, with deep scepticism.
International Condemnation and Ethical Questions
Kushner's comments have been met with fierce backlash from human rights groups and political opponents. Critics have labelled the proposal as a blatant endorsement of ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law, which prohibits the permanent displacement of people from occupied territories.
The notion of leveraging a humanitarian crisis for commercial and geopolitical gain has raised profound ethical questions about the approach of key figures linked to the previous US administration. The report underscores the ongoing influence of Trump-aligned figures like Kushner, even out of office, and their continued impact on one of the world's most volatile conflicts.
