In a recent conversation with Harvard's Middle East Initiative faculty Chair Tarek Masoud, Jared Kushner, former advisor to President Trump, proposed a controversial solution to the escalating conflict in Gaza. Kushner recommended that Gazans be relocated to the Negev, a desert region in southern Israel, to allow for the completion of Israel's military campaign against Hamas. The conversation took place on February 15 but was only made public when posted on YouTube on March 7 and reported by The Guardian on Tuesday.

The question of how to protect Palestinian civilians from further violence in Gaza has become a point of contention between the United States and Israel. The U.S. has warned against an invasion of Rafah, where alleged Hamas battalions are hiding, without a proper plan to evacuate over a million civilians. If Israel were to follow Kushner's suggestion, they would aim to clear out Rafah and move the Gazans into the Negev.

Kushner's proposal has stirred debates and raised concerns about the feasibility and ethical implications of such a relocation. The idea of bulldozing areas in the Negev to accommodate the displaced population has also garnered attention. The Negev, known for its desert landscape, presents unique challenges and considerations for mass resettlement.

During the conversation, Kushner also expressed his belief that Gaza's waterfront property has potential value and could be utilized to build livelihoods instead of being wasted on tunnels and munitions. However, his comments on this matter have been met with skepticism and criticism.

In addition to discussing potential solutions for the Gaza conflict, Kushner reiterated his opposition to a Palestinian state, arguing that recognizing it would reward an act of terror. This stance starkly contrasts with the Biden administration's support for a two-state solution as the long-term strategy to achieve peace in the region.

The Biden administration has intensified its warnings to Israel against an invasion of Rafah. President Biden reiterated this during his recent call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Netanyahu agreed to participate in talks with U.S. officials to explore alternative options, he declared on Tuesday that an incursion into the southern city was inevitable.

Kushner, who played a significant role in shaping Middle East policies under the Trump administration, has been vocal in his support for Trump's reelection. In an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, he attributed the recent conflict in Gaza to what he perceived as weak leadership under President Biden. Kushner expressed hope that Trump would be reelected to restore stability, peace, and prosperity to the world. However, he also mentioned that he would decline an invitation to return to the White House if Trump were to win in November.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community closely watches the developments in Gaza and awaits potential diplomatic resolutions to the ongoing conflict. The proposal put forth by Kushner has triggered a debate surrounding the best course of action to protect Palestinian civilians and forge a path towards a lasting peace in the region.