Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, proposed exploiting the coastal area of the Gaza Strip by turning it into a tourist resort. He affirmed that if he were responsible for Israel, he would evacuate civilians from southern Rafah to Egypt. Kushner made these statements during an interview at Harvard University, asserting that "the coastline in Gaza could hold significant value," and suggested relocating civilians from that area while Israel purges the region, according to the British newspaper "The Guardian."
His remarks at Harvard provided insight into the type of Middle Eastern policy that the U.S. administration might adopt if Trump returns to the White House after the upcoming presidential elections in November. Kushner stated that "the coastal properties in Gaza could be very valuable if people focus on building livelihoods." He also expressed regret over "all the money that has been directed toward building tunnels and munitions in the area instead of education and innovation."
Kushner acknowledged the unfortunate situation there but noted that Israel would do its utmost to relocate people and then clean the area, though he believed that Israel did not state that it would not want people to return afterward. He further explained that he thinks Israel should transfer civilians from Gaza to the Negev Desert in southern Israel. He added, "But in addition to that, I would be clearing some area in the Negev, and I would try to relocate people there; I think that is a better option, so you can go in and finish the job."
He reiterated this point shortly after, stating: "I believe that opening the Negev now, establishing a safe zone there, and relocating civilians to it, then going in and finishing the job would be the right step."
When asked about concerns in the Middle East that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might not allow Palestinians who fled Gaza to return, Kushner paused and replied: "Perhaps." In response to a question about whether Palestinians should have their own state, Kushner described the suggestion as "a very bad idea" and "essentially rewarding terrorism."
