Trump's Peace Council to Unveil $2.45 Billion Gaza Reconstruction Plan

The Peace Council, an initiative associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to reveal a comprehensive six-month reconstruction and governance plan for Gaza in New York on Wednesday. The plan, reportedly costing $2.45 billion, is the result of a year's work by dozens of individuals from the 28-member Peace Council and the technocratic Palestinian government.

The ambitious proposal outlines 66 projects across six key areas: infrastructure development, human development, economic acceleration, digital transformation, legal affairs, and peace and security. Infrastructure projects will receive the largest allocation, with approximately $1 billion designated for temporary housing, debris removal, hospital rehabilitation, and road repairs. Other initiatives include border crossing improvements, power and water infrastructure restoration, solar power deployment, tunnel sealing, digital identity systems, digital payments, 4G connectivity, e-health and e-education systems, small business grants, and a new investment fund for Gaza.

Both the Peace Council and the technocratic Palestinian government emphasize that the reconstruction must be Palestinian-led and based on Palestinian ownership. While the full $2.45 billion has not yet been secured, officials are confident that donor countries will contribute once political obstacles are resolved. The implementation of the plan hinges on cooperation from both Israel and Hamas.

Israel has reportedly agreed in principle to certain aspects of the plan previously discussed but has not yet begun implementation. Hamas has also agreed in principle to disarm, though this process has not been tested. The Peace Council views the period after Israel's general elections on October 27, and the formation of a new government, as a potential starting point for reconstruction. However, the article notes that unclear election results could lead to a transitional government and political deadlock, potentially hindering the plan's progress.

Trump established the Peace Council to oversee his initiative to end the Gaza war. However, progress has stalled since the agreement's announcement in late July, with both Israel and Hamas reportedly refusing to meet conditions necessary for advancing the deal.