The plan for the reconstruction of Gaza is looking like a tabula rasa project indeed. We know there are very few buildings still intact there (81% of all buildings in Gaza have been destroyed by the IDF), but why is the existing road network being abandoned, which by extension means the existing network of property lines? Is property being confiscated from its owners?
This is not a reconstruction plan, but a replacement plan. It is clearly not intended for the current population of Gaza, who are being forcibly starved by the state of Israel. It appears to be intended for anyone but them, judging by the amount of space given over to tourism and leisure. Make no mistake, all those “parks, agriculture and sports facilities” are going to be mostly golf courses (to complement the “coastal tourism” waterfront with its “180 towers mixed used” [sic]). Why on earth is one of the “residential areas” shaped like an underinflated basketball, another like a racetrack, and another like half a racetrack?
Who the hell designed this urban scheme? Certainly not an urban planner or an architect, let alone someone with any knowledge of local history, local culture, or local architecture. Why aren’t the people of Gaza being consulted on how they think the strip should be rebuilt? Hell, not a single Palestinian has even been invited to participate in Trump’s “Board of Peace,” though Putin and Netanyahu have, in all seriousness. Trump’s initiative should be called “Bored of Peace” instead.
Leaders of democracies asked to sit on the Bored of Peace are turning down their invitations en masse. They are totally right to do so. Let’s hope architects, engineers, and planners also turn down invitations to participate in this sham.
Criticalista 