Israeli 'Gaza 2035' Plan Reveals Colonial Vision for Palestinian Territory
A presentation in Hebrew from the office of the Israeli prime minister introduces a vision for the future, termed 'Gaza 2035.' This initiative aims to convert the Gaza Strip into a manufacturing center featuring skyscrapers, high-speed rail, and green spaces. It envisions enduring Israeli oversight, utilizing technology and resources from Gulf nations. The document likens this approach to colonial methods, citing Captain James Cook's 1770 claim to Australia. Prior to October 8, 2023, Gaza boasted 36 hospitals, 12 universities, parks, high-rises, and a literacy rate of 97%. Some far-right politicians propose the expulsion of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants, while the plan indicates that remaining Palestinians would serve as inexpensive labor in a trade hub linked to Saudi Arabia's Neom project. Sarah Jilani explores these comparisons in ArtReview.
Key facts
- The 'Gaza 2035' plan was revealed in a Hebrew-language presentation from the Israeli prime minister's office
- CGI renderings show futuristic skyscrapers, high-speed rail, and manicured gardens in Gaza
- The plan aims to transform Gaza into a manufacturing hub with access to Gulf energy and raw materials
- The document states goals to 'rebuild from nothing' and design new cities from scratch
- Before October 2023, Gaza had 36 hospitals, 12 universities, and a 97% literacy rate
- Some Israeli politicians have called for expelling Gaza's 2.3 million population
- The plan draws parallels to Captain James Cook's 1770 claim of Australia under terra nullius
- The vision includes a high-speed railway connecting to Saudi Arabia's Neom project
Entities
Artists
- Sarah Jilani
- Captain James Cook
- Benjamin Netanyahu
Institutions
- Israeli prime minister's office
- The Jerusalem Post
- City, University of London
- ArtReview
- British newspapers
- Gulf Cooperation Council
- Saudi Arabia's Neom project
Locations
- Gaza Strip
- Israel
- Jerusalem
- Mediterranean
- Gulf
- Botany Bay
- Australia
- Britain
- South Africa
- North America
- Europe
- United States
- Egypt
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- London
- United Kingdom