A report stated that the United States is planning to build residential complexes in areas of Gaza controlled by Israel. The idea behind these complexes is to provide relief for Gaza’s population after two years of war, but questions remain about whether such projects would reinforce a de facto division of the territory.

The administration of Donald Trump is seeking to quickly construct a number of housing complexes to accommodate Palestinians in Israeli-controlled parts of the war-torn Gaza Strip. The effort is described as risky and full of potential pitfalls.

These complexes, referred to by U.S. officials as “alternative secure communities,” would be concentrated in the eastern half of Gaza, currently under Israeli control since the ceasefire in October. Only a small portion of Gaza’s approximately two million residents remain there, while most are crowded into areas controlled by Hamas, where reconstruction is not currently permitted.

U.S. officials aim to encourage relocation by offering improved security, distance from Hamas governance, job opportunities, and a chance to rebuild lives.

The vision involves constructing a series of sustainable model complexes that go beyond tent camps, consisting instead of buildings designed to be temporary. Each complex could house between 20,000 and 25,000 people and include clinics and schools, according to U.S. and European officials.

A senior official leading the effort stated: “There is a practical problem: how do we provide safe housing for people as quickly as possible? This is the easiest way to do it.” The plan may offer short-term relief to thousands, but it raises long-term concerns about entrenching Gaza’s division between Israeli- and Hamas-controlled areas.

The report is based on interviews with around 20 officials from the United States, Europe, and Israel, including diplomats, military officers, and aid workers involved in post-war Gaza planning.

Officials have raised concerns about whether residents would be allowed to leave the complexes, and whether Israeli security screening could exclude many Palestinians from accessing them.

It is also noted that Gaza residents themselves have not been consulted about whether they are willing to relocate.

Even if ten such complexes are built, they would only accommodate a small fraction of Gaza’s population. Funding for the project remains unclear.

The proposal is linked to a broader peace plan that envisions Gaza divided into zones, reflecting the lack of progress in disarming Hamas or removing it from power. U.S. officials insist reconstruction should only proceed after Hamas is no longer governing.

Many Palestinians argue that reconstruction should be allowed throughout Gaza. Local representatives emphasize that residents are deeply connected to their homes and do not wish to be relocated arbitrarily.

While U.S. officials are leading the project, Israeli authorities are providing support, though some remain skeptical about its long-term viability. European diplomats and humanitarian workers have warned about multiple risks and shortcomings.

Construction of the first complex is not expected to begin for several months. Preparations in Rafah near the Egyptian border may cost tens of millions of dollars. Clearing debris could take months, especially if unexploded ordnance or tunnels are found.

Temporary housing units, including container-style structures, are being considered. Similar units have been used in refugee settings and disaster zones.

The planning team includes diplomats, business figures, and government officials. Discussions are reportedly taking place in hotels in Tel Aviv, where plans for Gaza’s future are being developed.

The project also includes broader ideas such as introducing a new digital currency and redesigning Gaza’s infrastructure to reduce congestion.

However, major challenges remain, including security arrangements, governance, freedom of movement, and land ownership rights. Some proposals suggest residents may be allowed to enter the complexes but not leave freely.

There are also concerns that the complexes could resemble refugee camps or even controlled enclaves, with surveillance systems and restricted access.

Ultimately, it remains unclear whether Gaza’s population would accept such housing arrangements, and the plan is still under discussion with no final framework in place.