T
he reopening of the Rafah crossing to Egypt on Sunday, February 1, was expected to be a significant step on the long road to easing the suffering of Palestinians in dire conditions in Gaza. That goal remains distant, as the opening is, at best, only partial. Yet the situation is urgent. Hundreds of Palestinians need medical treatment outside Gaza, given the destruction of health infrastructure by Israeli bombings. The delivery of crucial food aid also remains dependent on Israel, the occupying power.
This grim reality was entirely absent from the presentation of future plans for the narrow strip of land, during the inauguration of the Board of Peace in Davos in January. That omission rendered the presentation, delivered by the US president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, obscene. What was showcased closely resembled the fantastical "Middle East Riviera" project floated by Donald Trump in 2025, which rightly sparked outrage.
Subscribers only
At Davos, Trump revives 'Middle East Riviera' fantasies for Gaza
