What are the specifics of the $2.45bn Gaza recovery plan?
The Gaza recovery plan consists of a $2.45bn allocation designed to fund 66 distinct programmes over a six-month timeframe. These programmes are prioritized to address the most urgent survival needs of the territory's population, including the restoration of housing, the provision of diesel for power generation, and essential waste removal services.
Despite the announcement of this initial tranche, the Board of Peace highlighted a massive disparity between pledged funds and actual capital received. According to the board, while international donors have pledged $18bn, only $280m has been handed over to date. This shortfall presents a significant barrier to the ambitious long-term goals of the initiative.
The scale of the required investment is vast. The board estimates that the total cost for the complete recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip will reach approximately $71bn over the next ten years. This massive financial undertaking is intended to address the catastrophic damage caused by the ongoing conflict.
Immediate priorities and funding gaps
The immediate focus remains on humanitarian stabilization. By targeting diesel generation and sanitation, the plan seeks to prevent further health crises. However, without bridging the gap between the $18bn in pledges and the $280m currently available, the transition from emergency aid to structural reconstruction remains precarious.
Why is the reconstruction process facing delays?
The Gaza recovery plan faces delays due to a combination of political deadlocks and unresolved security issues on the ground. Jared Kushner, a member of the Gaza Executive Board, acknowledged that the programme has encountered "different delays on different things" for various reasons, though he maintained that the board remains fully committed to the objective.
A primary obstacle is the lack of a definitive start date for reconstruction. The political environment remains volatile, as the plan to end the war has largely stalled nearly a year after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire. The central point of contention remains the disarmament of Hamas.
The current security impasse is defined by conflicting demands between the warring parties:
- Hamas's Position: The group has expressed willingness to surrender its weapons in exchange for a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from the 60% of Gaza currently under Israeli occupation.
- Israel's Position: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the military will maintain its presence in Gaza until Hamas is "genuinely" disarmed, rejecting a premature withdrawal.
Until these security frameworks are reconciled, the physical work of rebuilding cannot move beyond the initial humanitarian stages.
What logistical challenges must be overcome before rebuilding?
Significant physical and technical hurdles must be cleared before permanent housing and infrastructure can be restored. Michael Eisenberg, an Israeli-American member of the Board of Peace, noted that the territory remains a dangerous war zone that requires intensive clearing operations.
The reconstruction process is expected to follow a specific sequence of technical requirements:
- Ordnance Removal: The first priority is the removal of unexploded ordnance to ensure the safety of workers and residents.
- Tunnel Destruction: Hundreds of kilometres of underground tunnels must be neutralized to prevent future security threats.
- Debris Management: With an estimated 60 million tonnes of rubble piled up, the sheer volume of waste must be managed before new foundations can be laid.
The damage to the built environment is extensive. It is estimated that 80% of all structures in Gaza have been either destroyed or damaged during the conflict, creating a massive logistical burden for any reconstruction effort.
How dire are the current living conditions in Gaza?
The humanitarian situation for the 2.1 million residents of Gaza remains critical, characterized by mass displacement and a lack of basic services. According to the UN, approximately 1.9 million people—roughly 90% of the population—have been displaced, many of them multiple times.
The living conditions are marked by extreme deprivation:
- Shelter: About 1.2 million people are currently living in tents or makeshift shelters.
- Sanitation: There is severely limited access to clean water and basic sanitation services.
- Casualties: Since the ceasefire began, at least 1,408 Palestinians, including over 300 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Hamas-run health ministry (figures considered reliable by the UN).
The instability of the current ceasefire adds to the uncertainty. Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace's high representative for Gaza, has warned that any collapse of the current peace agreement would represent a "point of no return" for the entire region.
What is the origin of the Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace was established as a component of Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan, which was originally unveiled alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in September 2025. While initially envisioned as a specialized international organization focused solely on Gaza, its mandate has since expanded to address conflicts in other parts of the world.
The plan's underlying framework involves a complex exchange of political and security concessions. Under the proposed terms, Hamas would return the remaining 48 hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Furthermore, the plan envisions a transition of Gaza's governance to a body of Palestinian technocrats, moving away from current militant leadership.
FAQ: Gaza recovery plan
What is the total estimated cost of rebuilding Gaza?
The Board of Peace estimates that the full reconstruction and recovery of the Gaza Strip will require approximately $71bn over the next decade. This covers the transition from emergency humanitarian aid to long-term infrastructure development and housing.
How much funding has actually been received for the plan?
While international donors have pledged a total of $18bn toward the recovery efforts, only $280m has been officially handed over to the Board of Peace so far. This significant gap remains a primary concern for the programme's implementation.
What are the main sectors covered by the $2.45bn initial fund?
The initial $2.45bn is earmarked for 66 specific programmes. The primary focus areas include the provision of housing, the generation of diesel for essential power, and the management of waste and sanitation services.
What is preventing the start of reconstruction?
Reconstruction is delayed by the ongoing security deadlock regarding Hamas's disarmament and the presence of Israeli troops. Additionally, the physical necessity of removing unexploded ordnance and destroying hundreds of kilometres of tunnels must be addressed first.
Who is involved in the Board of Peace?
The Board includes various stakeholders and international figures, such as Jared Kushner and Michael Eisenberg. It operates under the framework of the Trump administration's peace plan and has expanded its scope to include global conflict resolution.
