Trump's Board of Peace Unveils $2.45 Billion Gaza Recovery Plan

The Board of Peace, led by former US President Donald Trump, has unveiled a $2.45 billion Gaza recovery plan during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. This funding is intended to be distributed across 66 programs over six months, addressing critical needs such as housing, diesel generation, and waste removal.

The board estimates that full recovery and reconstruction will require approximately $71 billion over the next decade. While $18 billion has been pledged, only $280 million has been handed over so far, indicating a significant funding gap.

Highlights

• The Board of Peace announced a $2.45 billion recovery plan for Gaza.
• The plan targets 66 programs over six months, focusing on housing, energy, and waste management.
• An estimated $71 billion is needed for full recovery over the next decade, with only $280 million received from $18 billion pledged.
• Reconstruction in Gaza has not yet begun, nearly a year after a ceasefire, with ongoing security and governance challenges.
• Jared Kushner, a Board of Peace member, acknowledged that the plan faces "different delays on different things, for whatever reason."

Details

Nearly a year after a ceasefire took effect, reconstruction in Gaza has yet to begin. An estimated 80% of all structures in the region have been destroyed or damaged, leaving over 60 million tons of rubble. More than 1.9 million people have been displaced, with 1.2 million currently living in tents or makeshift shelters.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas stipulated that Hamas would give up its weapons in exchange for a phased Israeli troop withdrawal from 60% of Gaza. However, Israel insists on full disarmament before any pullout. Amid this deadlock, daily Israeli strikes continue in Gaza, and living conditions for the 2.1 million residents remain dire.

Jared Kushner, a member of the Board of Peace and Trump's son-in-law, conceded that the plan faced "different delays on different things." US envoy Steve Witkoff, however, stated that "real progress" had been made, with all hostages returned and billions of dollars pledged for humanitarian efforts.

Why it matters

This plan emerges at a critical time, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens and the need for reconstruction becomes increasingly urgent. Political and security challenges, fundraising difficulties, and disagreements between parties pose significant obstacles to recovery efforts. The success of the plan hinges not only on financial support but also on achieving stability in the region and building trust between the involved parties. Without these, the suffering of the people of Gaza may continue.