The Board of Peace, under the leadership of US President Donald Trump, has revealed an extensive plan aimed at rebuilding Gaza, with a funding proposal of $2.45 billion. This announcement took place during a session on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The proposed funds are earmarked for 66 programs over a six-month period, targeting crucial areas such as housing, diesel power generation, and waste management.
Funding and Challenges
Despite the announcement of this substantial financial commitment, the Board of Peace acknowledged that there remains a significant gap in actual funds received. While there have been pledges amounting to $18 billion, only $280 million has been collected so far. The board projects that the full recovery and reconstruction of Gaza could require as much as $71.4 billion over the next ten years.
Jared Kushner, a member of the Gaza Executive Board and Trump’s son-in-law, admitted that the initiative faces various delays. “The objective today was to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to this project,” Kushner stated during the meeting with board members and stakeholders in New York.
Progress and Security Concerns
Alongside Kushner, US envoy Steve Witkoff highlighted the progress made in the past year, noting that all hostages have been returned and a ceasefire, albeit imperfect, is in place. Witkoff emphasized the significant humanitarian achievements, with billions pledged and donated to address urgent needs and support long-term recovery efforts.
However, the plan is not without its obstacles. Ensuring security for those operating in Gaza, improving internal governance, and fostering cooperation between Israeli and Palestinian officials are some of the critical challenges faced by the initiative.
International Involvement and Concerns
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a separate press conference, mentioned that several countries have pledged financial assistance, and the board is seeking additional participants. Meanwhile, Nickolay Mladenov, a senior official on the Board of Peace, criticized ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and actions by the Palestinian armed group Hamas. Mladenov warned that the collapse of the ceasefire established last October could be disastrous for the region.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, since the ceasefire began, at least 1,381 Palestinians, including 300 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks. The Israeli military reports five soldiers and one contractor have died in combat-related incidents.
Background and Future Prospects
The Board of Peace, part of Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, was launched last year alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan involved the return of 48 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and proposed handing over Gaza governance to Palestinian technocrats.
In July, Hamas agreed to a disarmament plan contingent on Israel ending its aggression and withdrawing from Gaza, though this was later rejected by Netanyahu, who insisted the military would remain until Hamas is fully disarmed. Initially aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict, the Board of Peace has since broadened its scope to address global conflicts.
