In a document authored by Tony Blair Institute (TBI) staff, it was stated that the Gaza war presented a once-in-a-century opportunity to rebuild Gaza into a modern society. TBI employees were involved in a project aimed at realizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision of transforming Gaza into the “Middle East Riviera,” as reported by the Financial Times. Israeli businessmen led the plan, utilizing financial models developed within the consultancy firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to envision Gaza as a thriving trading hub. The plan, named Great Trust, was presented to the Trump administration, proposing payment to half a million Palestinians to vacate the area and attracting private investors for Gaza’s development.
While TBI did not create or endorse the final presentation, two staff members participated in discussions and calls as the project unfolded. One staff member had drafted a document circulated within the group, outlining the concept of a Gaza Riviera featuring artificial islands akin to Dubai, a deep-water port for Gaza’s integration into the economic corridor of India, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, and low-tax special economic zones. The document emphasized the opportunity post-devastating Gaza war to rebuild it into a safe, modern, and prosperous society.
When approached by the Financial Times, a TBI spokesperson denied the story, stating the institute was not involved in preparing BCG’s presentation nor contributed to its content. However, subsequent revelations by the Financial Times indicated the existence of a 12-person communication group for the project, including two institute employees and an unpublished document titled “Gaza Economic Blueprint.” The institute’s spokesperson, upon seeing this, acknowledged that the staff had seen the presentation but had not crafted it. The institute asserted its efforts for a better Gaza for Gazans over the past two decades, emphasizing they never advocated for the relocation of Gazans.
The Tony Blair Institute gained attention in Finland, particularly when former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin joined as a strategic advisor. The institute’s role in the “Gaza Riviera” project underscores the complexities of international interventions and the delicate balance between development initiatives and the autonomy and agency of the local population. It raises questions about the ethical considerations of such projects and the accountability of external actors in shaping the future of conflict-affected regions. The story highlights the intricate web of geopolitical interests, economic strategies, and humanitarian concerns that intersect in efforts to rebuild and transform societies ravaged by war.
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