Am I the only one to think that the Israeli document “From Crisis to Prosperity – Plan for the Transformation of Gaza Strip” is a cynical attempt to justify the appalling response to Hamas’ attack on 7 October 2023? Are they putting forward a reason for the wanton destruction as merely a stage in the process of improving the lives of the displaced Palestinians?

Where have the Palestinians been involved in the process of improving their designated area of habitation? Where have the 2.1 million inhabitants been given the opportunity to contribute to the process? Which organisations  within the Palestinian population were invited  to working groups talking about the proposals.

I would be delighted if someone was able to point to a truly altruistic motive, but I suspect that the Palestinians are, yet again, being told that their future will be ensured if they bow to their Israeli masters.

The proposals apparently outline a four-step plan “that begins with dismantling Hamas, followed by a period of humanitarian aid, rebuilding and finally self-governance.”

But who will be given the opportunity to head up that self-governance? And what will happen to this “significant industrial production centre for the shores of the Mediterranean with excellent access to markets in Europe, the Gulf and Asia, energy and raw materials from the Gulf while leveraging Israeli technology” when Palestinian self-governance fails? One guess.

On the other hand, have I fallen for a false story? I can find no mention of these so-called ‘plans’ anywhere else in the media. Anything as grand as this would surely have received the attention of media around the world.

Please advise.