Cyprus Times

Trump's Vision for 'New Gaza': Realistic Plan or Groundless Idea?

Published January 25, 2026, 15:05
Trump's Vision for 'New Gaza': Realistic Plan or Groundless Idea?

Donald Trump's plan for rebuilding Gaza, known as 'New Gaza', is being examined as an ambitious but fragile undertaking. According to international relations expert Lykourgos Liakakos, the plan is realistic as a comprehensive framework for resolution, but its implementation is extremely difficult due to the need for a strict sequence of events: ceasefire, security, legitimate governance, and finally investment. The success of the plan depends on maintaining this sequence, otherwise it will be limited to a mere declaration of intent. A significant advantage of the plan is the institutional legitimacy provided by the Security Council through resolution S/RES/2803 (2025), which sets a timeline and provides for accountability. However, this legitimacy does not constitute a 'blank check' for unlimited political intervention. Furthermore, Trump is exerting direct pressure on Netanyahu and Hamas through various channels, a method that has yielded results in imposing a fragile order. However, the next phase requires more than just agreements, such as disarmament, security, an international stabilization force, and a functional Palestinian police force. The biggest risk of the plan lies in the attempt to rebuild a city in an area without stable security and a political solution. Gaza is not a 'blank slate' and choosing to pursue such a path is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. The success of the plan depends on the ability to overcome these challenges and create an environment of stability and security.