Crypto: Trump's Gaza Proposal Raises Debate on Land Tokenization

Post-War Reconstruction in Gaza

• Tokenization of Land: A US initiative aims to tokenize land in Gaza using cryptocurrency to fund post-war reconstruction. This plan, known as the “GREAT Trust,” proposes a ten-year American trusteeship over Gaza, transforming it into a digital economy through land tokenization.

• Displacement and Compensation: The project offers digital tokens to Palestinians who agree to leave their properties, providing them with options for housing in eight planned smart cities or financial compensation. Each displaced resident would receive $5,000, four years of housing subsidies, and one year of food support.

Controversial Aspects of the Project

• Criticism from NGOs: The plan has faced backlash from various NGOs, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which argues that it constitutes a form of digital dispossession and violates international law. They claim that the displacement of residents is not truly voluntary but rather coercive.

• Profit Motive and Human Rights Concerns: Critics express concern that the project commodifies human rights through blockchain technology. The model suggests that increased departures from Gaza would enhance the profitability of the crypto system, raising alarms about the ethical implications of such a strategy.

Implications of Crypto in Geopolitical Context

• Technological Domination: The use of cryptocurrency in this context represents a troubling intersection of technology and state interests, marking a potential first in the use of crypto for territorial control in a post-war scenario. Observers worry about the implications of this model for future humanitarian efforts and the potential for exploitation.