Gaza’s Future: Digital Tokens or Displacement?

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a post-war plan for Gaza, which envisions the United States taking a trusteeship over the territory for at least a decade. This initiative, detailed in a 38-page document titled the Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trust (GREAT Trust), proposes the use of tokenized land and digital assets to restructure the region’s population and infrastructure. The plan is part of a broader strategy to transform Gaza into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” as previously stated by U.S. President Donald Trump, with a focus on developing it as a tourist and manufacturing hub. The prospectus outlines the relocation of Gaza’s population through voluntary departures or temporary resettlement within the territory during reconstruction, aiming to facilitate a controlled and structured transition.

Under the proposed framework, landowners would be offered digital tokens in exchange for the rights to redevelop their property. These tokens would allow individuals to claim fractional ownership of land and trade or use them for housing or cash value. The tokens are designed to function on a blockchain-based registry to enhance transparency and liquidity. This model is intended to fund reconstruction and humanitarian efforts by leveraging secondary market transactions. The plan also outlines the establishment of eight “smart cities” where residents could relocate in exchange for their tokens. Additionally, those who leave the area would receive $5,000 in cash, four years of rent subsidies, and a year’s worth of food assistance. The prospectus estimates that an initial investment of $100 billion could generate nearly four times the amount in ten years, based on projected returns from infrastructure and economic development.

The Trump administration's interest in blockchain technology aligns with broader trends in global governance, as several governments explore the use of distributed ledger systems for transparent budgeting and asset management. The prospectus highlights projects such as desalination facilities in Egypt’s Sinai, a railway and energy network dubbed the “Abrahamic Corridor,” and data centers labeled “American Data Safe Haven.” The plan also envisions logistical hubs that would connect Gaza to Israel, Egypt, and the Gulf, aiming to reestablish regional connectivity. The involvement of key figures like Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair underscores the political and strategic dimensions of the proposal.

Despite the administration’s efforts to frame the plan as voluntary and beneficial, local resistance remains strong. Many Gazans, whose homes have been destroyed or damaged, reject the idea of forced or incentivized relocation. Abu Mohammed, a 55-year-old resident of Khan Younis, explicitly stated his opposition, saying, “I refuse to be expelled from my homeland.” The proposal also faces ethical and humanitarian scrutiny, particularly given the recent controversies surrounding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed aid group involved in implementing relief efforts in the territory. Reports indicate that over 1,000 people have been killed attempting to access aid in Gaza since GHF began its operations, raising concerns about the group’s safety record and effectiveness.

The plan aligns with Trump’s broader vision of U.S. leadership in the Middle East and reflects an increasingly technocratic and market-driven approach to post-conflict reconstruction. While the administration has not formally endorsed the proposal, its conceptual framework appears consistent with past statements advocating for American involvement in Gaza’s future. The plan also includes provisions for a Palestinian Wealth Fund, which would reinvest profits into future projects for the benefit of Gazans. However, the report also notes that the plan could become more profitable if more residents choose to leave, as the cost of relocating each individual is significantly lower than retaining them.

Source: [1] Locals kick against Trump's 'Riviera of the Middle East' (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1085678-20250901) [2] Trump Gaza Israel post-war (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/31/trump-gaza-israel-post-war.html)