The Trump administration has confirmed its involvement in a controversial initiative to construct housing for thousands of ‘screened’ Palestinians in Israeli-occupied Gaza, according to a report by The New York Times. The project, named ‘Alternative Safe Communities,’ is spearheaded by a team of US officials and former Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) workers, operating from luxury hotels in Tel Aviv. Aryeh Lightstone, a senior Trump administration official and former advisor to US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, is leading the effort, reporting directly to Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and advisor. The plan, which aims to relocate Palestinians to Israeli-controlled areas, has drawn criticism from Arab officials and raises questions about funding and land ownership. The initiative, still in its early stages, involves clearing rubble in Rafah, near Gaza’s border with Egypt, and constructing prefabricated homes, with costs estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. However, no US sovereign funds have been pledged, with Trump suggesting Gulf states should finance the project. The plan also faces legal and ethical challenges, particularly regarding Palestinian land rights and the broader implications of relocating populations in a conflict zone.
Senior US official confirms plan to build housing compounds in Israeli occupied Gaza
