How a future Gaza would look under Egypt's $53bn plan

Egypt has proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza, which received the support of the Arab League on Tuesday. The plan presents an ambitious vision for the future architectural landscape of the war-torn Palestinian enclave. It aims to blend Palestinian heritage with modern technology and design, forging a completely new urban character for Gaza's post-war architecture.

The 91-page plan was shared with Middle East Eye by officials ahead of the Arab Special Summit. The plan is a rebuttal to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement last month, in which he said he intended to take over Gaza and turn it into a tourism hub while displacing its Palestinian population. Egypt's plan explicitly opposes the displacement of Palestinians and seeks to rebuild the enclave without reducing its population.

The plan's motto is "Rooted like the olive tree, steadfast, eternal." The document states: "The olive tree is not just a plant; it symbolizes the resilience and tradition of Palestinian culture. Its roots are deeply embedded in the ground, holding firmly to the land despite difficulties, reflecting the strength of the Palestinians and their deep connection to the land."

According to the plan, proposed architectural design elements include the use of Jerusalem stone, a type of limestone used to build structures in and around Jerusalem. It also incorporates pointed arches, a distinctive architectural feature in Palestinian mosques and churches, as well as domes and vaults. The design of residential buildings is inspired by Arab and Islamic traditions and incorporates modern elements, ensuring "comfort and sustainability" while utilizing traditional building materials such as natural stone. Planning strategies will be dedicated to promoting "social interaction and cultural identity."

Like residential buildings, the architectural design of the service sector also blends modern and traditional elements. The plan states: "The use of limestone or white concrete reflects the local Arab architectural style while reducing heat absorption and improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The recurring arches on windows and facades create a unique Islamic aesthetic while achieving efficient natural lighting, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day." A university building is showcased in the plan, with a proposal to set up "multi-purpose courtyards" as "dynamic social and activity hubs for students." The document adds: "The emphasis on natural materials and large openings ensures a harmonious blend of historical features and modern building standards, creating a unique and sustainable educational environment." The design of government buildings is also intended to "reflect a modern and sustainable working environment, consistent with smart building standards and environmental integration."

The plan also envisions sustainable designs for the industrial and agricultural sectors. The document states: "The design follows the principles of green development and sustainable manufacturing, ensuring harmony between environmental protection and industrial efficiency." The plan's early recovery phase includes the construction of temporary housing units for approximately 1.5 million displaced people. These homes will be made of shipping containers, with each unit accommodating an average of six people.