Exclusive: US Seeks New Approach to Gaza Rebuilding, Kushner Tells EU
A Radical Shift in Financial Support
Exclusive – Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, advocated for a comprehensive transformation of financial assistance mechanisms for Gaza during an exclusive gathering with European and Arab government officials. The closed-door session initiated a recovery initiative valued at approximately €900 million for the Palestinian territory, as reported by Euronews. Speaking through a video link, Kushner characterized existing humanitarian efforts as being “designed step by step by NGOs and terrorists,” urging participants to adopt a fundamentally different methodology to “turn the tide” of the crisis. This exclusive insight into American diplomatic strategy reveals a significant departure from traditional approaches to Middle Eastern reconstruction.
Although he refrained from explicitly naming the United Nations agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, his comments suggested backing for reducing UNRWA’s influence—a stance that might create friction with European Union member states, given the organization’s status as the bloc’s primary financial contributor. Despite lacking an official cabinet role, Kushner has become instrumental in assembling substantial international backing for Gaza’s recovery. In addition to serving as Trump’s special envoy, he occupies a seat on the Board of Peace, a contentious institution presided over by the American president that will presumably manage the Strip’s rebuilding efforts. His marriage to Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter, further solidifies his position within this exclusive diplomatic framework.
Challenges and Opportunities for Reconstruction
Kushner’s attendance at Monday’s conference held considerable importance due to his close connections with Israel, according to multiple EU representatives. He offered a memorable observation about the difficulty of implementing change:
“Change is like heaven: everyone wants to go there, but nobody wants to die.”
Describing Gaza’s situation as “a perpetual uncapped liability,” Kushner noted that living standards remain stagnant while donors “constantly putting novocaine on the problem.” He established a direct connection between the existing humanitarian framework and the indirect funding of Hamas, asserting that steady financial flows have reached Hamas, enabling the group to purchase weapons, construct tunnels, and develop rocket technology. While Israel has accused UNRWA of ties to terrorist organizations, the agency maintains that it does not divert assistance. This exclusive assessment highlights the urgency of reforming current aid distribution channels.
Demilitarization and Regional Cooperation
Disarming Hamas emerged as a central pillar of Kushner’s address. He emphasized that reconstruction efforts cannot achieve success while armed factions maintain their military capabilities, highlighting the principle of “one government with one gun.” According to attendees, Kushner contended that rebuilding Gaza would prove futile unless Hamas underwent demilitarization. He also delivered an implicit critique of conference participants, suggesting that the ultimate objective should eliminate the necessity for future international donor gatherings focused on Gaza.
Despite these pointed observations, diplomats informed about the discussions described Kushner’s overall demeanor as conciliatory, with particular focus on collaboration with European Union members and regional allies. He specifically highlighted Arab nations for their expertise in rapidly constructing urban centers for millions of inhabitants, positioning them as ideal partners for envisioning a future for Gaza’s population exceeding two million. Egypt and Turkey received particular praise from the US envoy.
Kushner’s invitation to the conference came from EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, who has dedicated substantial diplomatic energy to developing relationships with him following the inaugural—and currently sole—Board of Peace meeting held in Washington last February. Her participation occurred alongside criticism from certain EU member countries, which contended that the United Nations, rather than the Board of Peace, ought to direct the negotiations. Following the session, Šuica stated:
“Only a collective effort can help rebuild Gaza,”
while declining to address Kushner’s specific contributions or comments made during the private proceedings. This exclusive dialogue marks a pivotal moment in international efforts to stabilize the region and establish lasting peace through comprehensive reconstruction and political reform.
