Project Sunrise: Building a Smart City at the Cost of Palestinian Dispossession
In recent years, the concept of a “smart city” has gained popularity as a way to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban areas. These cities are designed with advanced technology and data-driven systems to enhance the quality of life for its residents. However, the latest project in this realm, known as Project Sunrise, has sparked controversy due to its ties to the continued dispossession of Palestinians.
According to reports, Project Sunrise aims to create a “smart city” in the Gaza Strip, specifically in the area of Rafah. This city would be built using artificial intelligence (AI) grids and other advanced technologies, with the goal of replicating the success of other smart cities around the world. The project has been touted as a solution to the challenges faced by the people of Gaza, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to resources. However, a closer look at the plans reveals a darker truth – the erasure of Palestinian identity and history.
The proposed site for Project Sunrise is the town of Rafah, which has a long and tumultuous history. Located on the border between Gaza and Egypt, Rafah has been a site of conflict for decades. In 1948, the town was divided into two parts, with the eastern portion falling under Egyptian control and the western portion under Israeli control. The division was meant to be temporary, but it became permanent after the 1967 war. Since then, Rafah has been subjected to frequent Israeli bombings and incursions, leading to the destruction of homes and displacement of its residents.
Now, with the announcement of Project Sunrise, the people of Rafah face yet another threat to their existence. The project plans to completely demolish the town and rebuild it as a “new Rafah,” modeled after modern Israeli cities. This means that the Palestinian history and culture of the town will be erased, as it is replaced with a sanitized version of an Israeli city. This is a clear attempt at cultural erasure and the dispossession of Palestinians from their land.
Moreover, the project is being spearheaded by Israeli companies, with the support of the Israeli government. This raises questions about the true intentions behind Project Sunrise. Is it really about improving the lives of Palestinians, or is it another tactic to further entrench Israeli control over Palestinian land? The answer becomes clearer when we look at the exclusion of Palestinians from the planning and decision-making process. The people of Rafah, who will be most affected by this project, have not been consulted or given a say in its development. This is a blatant disregard for the rights and voices of the Palestinian people.
The irony of building a “smart city” in the midst of such injustice and dispossession is not lost on anyone. How can a city be considered “smart” when it is built on the destruction of an entire community? How can it be sustainable when it is based on the continued oppression of Palestinians? The truth is, Project Sunrise is only possible because of the ongoing occupation of Palestinian land and the denial of their rights.
As the world looks towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, it is crucial that we do not leave behind the voices and rights of marginalized communities. Building a smart city in Rafah, without the consent and participation of its people, is a violation of their human rights. It is also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom for Palestinians.
In conclusion, while the concept of a “smart city” may seem appealing, we must not turn a blind eye to the human cost of such projects. The development of Project Sunrise at the expense of Palestinian dispossession is a clear violation of international law and human rights. It is time for the international community to take a stand and demand an end to the occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people. Only then can we truly build a smart city that is inclusive, just, and sustainable for all.
