Hamas' stance constrains prospects for Trump's Project Sunrise

Many Israelis doubt the Trump administration's Project Sunrise can rebuild Gaza while Hamas controls parts of the territory and maintains positions opposing recognition of Israel; the proposal outlines $112.1 billion in investment over 10 years.

Project Sunrise is a Trump administration proposal to direct $112.1 billion over 10 years toward rebuilding Gaza as a tech-driven ‘‘smart city.’’ The plan has been shown to prospective donor countries, including Gulf states, Turkey and Egypt. Many Israelis express skepticism that major reconstruction can proceed in areas dominated by Hamas while the group remains politically and militarily present. Analysts cited in the article point to Hamas’ founding documents and public statements as a key reason for that skepticism. Key points: - The proposal outlines $112.1 billion in reconstruction funding for Gaza over a 10-year period. - Israel currently controls about half of Gaza, and many Israelis doubt that parts of Gaza dominated by Hamas can be rehabilitated without Hamas’ removal or a clear change in its political stance. - The article cites scholarship noting that Hamas’ founding documents and some leaders’ statements oppose recognition of Israel and describe a long-term, phased approach rather than an immediate, durable settlement. Summary: The article reports that Israeli skepticism and Hamas’ stated positions make near-term success for Project Sunrise unlikely. The plan’s scale is substantial, but the next steps for implementation are undetermined at this time.