66 projects, $2.45 billion: Trump’s Board of Peace to unveil six-month Gaza recovery plan, says report
The Board of Peace, set up by US President Donald Trump, will reportedly unveil a six-month, $2.45 billion recovery plan for Gaza on Wednesday, outlining 66 projects focused on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring essential services, reviving the economy and establishing post-war governance.The plan, prepared over the past year by officials from the Board of Peace and the Palestinian technocratic government, includes funding for temporary housing, rubble removal, hospital repairs, economic recovery and the deployment of a multinational security force.But its implementation will depend on cooperation from Israel and Hamas. Israel has agreed in principle to some elements of the proposal but has refused to begin implementing it, while Hamas has agreed in principle to disarm but the process has yet to be tested.The Board of Peace hopes the recovery process can begin after Israel’s October 27 election and the formation of a new government. However, the election could result in political deadlock, potentially further delaying the proposal.“The plan shows how to stand up a government from nothing, an economy from shambles and a territory from disaster,” a Board of Peace official said.The proposal estimates physical damage in Gaza at $35.2 billion and says full recovery and reconstruction will require about $71.4 billion over the next decade.Infrastructure accounts for the largest share of the six-month plan, at roughly $1 billion. It includes about $400 million for temporary shelters, $275 million for rubble and unexploded ordnance clearance, $50 million for hospital rehabilitation and $30 million for road repairs.The plan also calls for repairing border crossings, restoring electricity and water infrastructure, deploying 25,000 portable solar-power kits and permanently filling tunnels beneath sites needed for priority reconstruction projects.Security-related projects account for roughly $885 million, including $275 million for a permanent site in Rafah capable of supporting 5,000 personnel from the International Stabilization Force and $140 million to recruit, train, equip and deploy a multinational security contingent.Another $120 million would go towards mobilising Palestinian police, while $20 million would fund a weapons buy-back programme offering incentives for Hamas and other armed groups to surrender weapons and ammunition.The plan also allocates about $400 million for insulated caravans for Palestinians currently living in tents. Separately, the UAE would fund a pilot “Emirati Neighborhood” in Rafah designed to house 50,000 people, while about $300 million would go towards health, education and welfare programmes.The proposal also includes a digital ID system, digital payments, 4G connectivity, electronic health and education systems, grants to restart small businesses and a new Gaza investment fund.The Board of Peace and the Palestinian technocratic government say the recovery should be Palestinian-led and based on “Palestinian ownership”.The two sides have yet to secure the full $2.45 billion required for the six-month programme, although Board of Peace officials said the entire amount would not be needed immediately.Representatives from 35 countries are expected to attend Wednesday’s briefing, including officials from the European Union and several of its member states. Trump’s senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner and White House envoy Steve Witkoff are also expected to speak.
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