During a meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace unveiled a $2.45 billion (£1.85 billion) plan to initiate reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The funding will be distributed across 66 distinct programmes over a six-month period, targeting critical infrastructure needs such as housing, diesel power generation, and waste management.
Despite the announcement, board members acknowledged that substantial financial contributions remain outstanding. While $18 billion has been pledged to date, only $280 million has actually been delivered. Jared Kushner, a member of the Gaza Executive Board and Trump’s son-in-law, stated that the primary objective of the briefing was to demonstrate the group’s full commitment to the project, even as it navigates various delays.
US envoy Steve Witkoff, also present in New York, highlighted the progress made over the previous year, noting the return of all hostages and the establishment of a ceasefire, however fragile. He emphasized that humanitarian efforts have already secured billions in donations to address urgent requirements and support long-term recovery.
The initiative faces significant operational hurdles, including ensuring the safety of personnel working in Gaza, restructuring internal governance, and fostering consensus between Israeli and Palestinian officials. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that while several countries have committed funds, the board continues to seek additional international participation.
Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, a board member, remarked on the immense responsibility borne by the group. The plan operates against a backdrop of ongoing violence; according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 1,381 Palestinians, including 300 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks since the US-brokered ceasefire began. Israeli military sources report five soldiers and one contractor killed during the same period.
The Board of Peace was established as part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, introduced alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last September. Although Hamas agreed to a disarmament plan in July, Netanyahu rejected the proposal, insisting that Israeli forces would remain in Gaza until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.
Interesting that Blair and Kushner are leading this while violence continues. Hope logistics work this time.
Seems like a massive amount, but $71.4bn is the real target. What happens after six months?
Only 280 million delivered out of 18 billion pledged? Trust is going to be hard to rebuild.