DP World Explores Secret Gaza Port and Aid Deal With Trump

Dubai-based logistics giant DP World recently engaged in secret talks with representatives linked to Donald Trump's so-called "Board of Peace." These discussions focused on managing critical supply chains and rebuilding infrastructure within the besieged Gaza Strip. According to a report by the Financial Times, the state-owned company explored a potential partnership to oversee the flow of humanitarian aid and commercial goods into the enclave.

The proposed collaboration would cover essential services like warehousing, cargo tracking, and security arrangements. Other ambitious ideas discussed included constructing a new port either in Gaza or along Egypt's nearby Mediterranean coast. Additionally, planners considered creating a free-trade zone inside the war-ravaged territory to stimulate economic activity.

These meetings represent a continuation of long-standing US efforts to privatize Palestinian services as part of a broader plan for a "new Gaza." However, critics argue such strategies risk sidelining Palestinians and bypassing international institutions like the United Nations. There are also fears that these moves could legitimize the forced displacement of people from their ancestral lands.

Progress toward lasting peace has stalled significantly since a US-brokered ceasefire was announced last October. Despite this agreement, Israel continues to occupy large portions of the enclave while severely restricting aid access. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that Israeli attacks since the ceasefire have killed more than 700 people and injured approximately 2,000 others.

A draft proposal reviewed by the Financial Times outlined a vision for a secure, traceable supply chain system and a port-led economic ecosystem. The document also included plans for light industry and job-creation platforms to support the local population. It remains unclear who specifically drafted this document or how far the negotiations have actually progressed.

A spokesperson for DP World told the newspaper that the company was not aware of any such discussions. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for comment from the Financial Times. DP World, owned by the Dubai government, operates one of the world's largest port networks, handling about 10 percent of global trade daily across more than 80 countries.

The company's senior leadership underwent a reshuffle in February after longtime chair Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem stepped down. His departure followed scrutiny regarding his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes discussions regarding Gaza's reconstruction continue with various companies in the security, finance, and technology sectors.

A joint assessment by the European Union, the UN, and the World Bank estimates that Gaza will require $71.4 billion for reconstruction over the next decade. Of this massive sum, $23 billion is needed urgently in the next 18 months to address immediate needs. These figures highlight the immense financial challenges facing the region as international powers debate the future of its infrastructure.