The Board of Peace, established under President Donald Trump’s regional peace initiative, has introduced a $2.45 billion recovery strategy for Gaza. Announced during the UN General Assembly, the plan outlines 66 distinct programs to be implemented over the next six months, focusing on critical infrastructure such as housing, waste management, and diesel power generation.
Despite the announcement, the board faces a substantial financial shortfall. While $18 billion has been pledged toward long-term reconstruction—estimated to cost $71.4 billion over the next decade—only $280 million has been disbursed to date. Jared Kushner, a member of the Gaza Executive Board, acknowledged that the project has encountered various delays, though he emphasized the administration's commitment to the effort.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff highlighted the current status of the region, noting that all hostages have returned home and a ceasefire remains in effect. However, the initiative faces complex hurdles, including the need to secure operational areas, reform local governance, and navigate political tensions between Israeli and Palestinian leadership. Board member Michael Eisenberg noted that extensive work remains, specifically the removal of unexploded ordnance and the destruction of tunnel networks, before large-scale rebuilding can commence.
The security situation remains volatile. Recent reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate that 1,381 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began, while the Israeli military reports the deaths of five soldiers and one contractor during the same period. Tensions persist regarding the long-term status of the territory; while Hamas has expressed willingness to disarm under specific conditions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that military presence will continue until the group is fully disarmed.
Source: BBC News
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