US President Donald Trump's peace council has unveiled a six-month plan for the reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip, with an initial cost of about $2.45 billion (approximately 2.15 billion euros). The plan, which includes a package of 66 emergency projects, was unveiled during a high-level meeting in New York City.
During his keynote address, executive board member and former British Prime Minister, Sir Tony Blair, stressed the urgent need for concrete action on the ground.
"Palestinians in Gaza don't need a slogan; they need a solution," he said.
The proposed initiatives aim to support the 20-point plan to end the war and cover key areas such as:
Providing temporary shelter and removing rubble
Repairing hospitals and border crossing points
Restoring the electricity and water networks and distributing 25,000 solar kits
Permanent filling of tunnels in strategic reconstruction areas
The deployment of a multinational security force and economic recovery
Despite this initial package, the Peace Board estimates that the ultimate need is colossal, calculating that full reconstruction will require approximately $35.2 billion in the medium term and another $71.4 billion over the next decade.
Situation on the ground and political obstacles
Although the ceasefire came into effect in October last year, full implementation of the peace plan has stalled. Israel continues to occupy about 60% of Gaza and carries out military operations under the pretext of striking Hamas cells. According to local health authorities, over 1,300 Palestinians have lost their lives since the ceasefire began.
On the other hand, the complete disarmament of Hamas remains the main condition set by Israel for the withdrawal of its military troops. The High Representative of the Peace Board, Nikolay Mladenov, underlined that progress depends on the disarmament of the militant group, but at the same time called on the Israeli side to reduce military activity to pave the way for the stabilization of the region.
