A Controversial Plan for Gaza's Reconstruction Raises Eyebrows and Questions
A bold vision for Gaza's future is stirring up controversy, with a plan that involves some of the world's biggest companies. But here's the twist: many of these companies claim they were never consulted or even aware of their involvement. This revelation has sparked a debate about the ethics and transparency of such ambitious projects.
On October 14, 2025, a presentation was brought to light, detailing a grand scheme to rebuild Gaza. The plan, which has been shared with the Trump administration, envisions a transformed Gaza with the involvement of renowned companies like Tesla, Ikea, and TSMC. However, when WIRED reached out to these companies, a surprising response emerged: they were unaware of their inclusion in this proposal.
The presentation, which includes logos and bullet points about the benefits of private industry investment, was reportedly crafted by businessmen associated with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This nonprofit organization, currently leading aid distribution in Gaza, has faced its own controversies. Doctors Without Borders accused GHF of attempting to bypass UN aid distribution systems, and a former contractor alleged that GHF's contractors shot at unarmed Palestinians, claims that GHF has denied.
The plan introduces the Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation (GREAT) Trust, which would oversee a US-led multi-lateral custodianship of the Gaza Strip. It suggests that GHF would hire private contractors to distribute aid, ensure security, and build temporary housing zones in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces.
The presentation's creators, including Michael Eisenberg and Liran Tancman, are part of a network of businessmen who helped establish GHF. Some members of this network, like Tancman, have joined COGAT, the Israeli agency overseeing aid deliveries in Gaza and the West Bank. This connection raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the role of private entities in sensitive geopolitical matters.
When contacted, eight companies, including Ikea, TSMC, and InterContinental Hotels Group, confirmed they had no involvement in the plan and did not consent to the use of their logos. Security contractor G4S also denied any association with the GREAT Trust. Tesla, Amazon, and Constellis did not provide comments.
Intriguingly, a source close to the presentation suggests it was a form of market research, identifying potential contributors rather than indicating existing agreements. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the situation, as it implies that the plan may have been more speculative than concrete.
The scale of the GREAT Trust proposal is vast, calling for data centers, gigafactories, and a train system connecting Gaza to Saudi Arabia's Neom megacity. It even proposes an 'Elon Musk Smart Manufacturing Zone' for electric vehicles, though Musk has not commented on this.
GHF, founded in early 2025, emerged from discussions among individuals concerned about Hamas' alleged theft of civilian aid. However, a USAID analysis found no evidence of such theft. GHF has received on-ground support from American companies Safe Reach Solutions and UG Solutions, both run by former military personnel.
GHF's leadership includes Johnnie Moore Jr., a former Trump official and evangelical Christian, and previously Jake Wood, a former Marine. Wood resigned, citing concerns about adhering to humanitarian principles.
This plan is not the only business-oriented approach to Gaza's redevelopment. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been linked to a leaked proposal, which suggests creating a Gaza Investment Promotion and Economic Development Authority. Another group, Palestine Emerging, advocates for a phased development strategy to rebuild Gaza's housing and economy, acknowledging historical constraints on businesses there.
While these plans offer potential solutions, the immediate priority is increasing food and medical aid to Gaza. Israel has been restricting aid trucks, and the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned of a worst-case scenario in July. The peace treaty's terms allow for more aid trucks, but the process is gradual, and the GHF adviser suggests that the foundation's ability to bring in more trucks is uncertain.
The question remains: how can Gaza's reconstruction be achieved ethically and effectively? Should private companies be involved, and if so, to what extent? And how can we ensure that aid reaches those who need it most? These are the challenges that demand thoughtful consideration and collaboration from all parties involved.
