Trump's Board of Peace proposes $2.45 billion blueprint to begin Gaza reconstruction

President Donald Trump's U.S.-backed Board of Peace has proposed a six-month, $2.45 billion plan to begin rebuilding Gaza and restoring governance there, even as the broader ceasefire effort he brokered struggles to move forward. At a board meeting, governors presented a blueprint of 66 projects covering infrastructure, education and health, intended to jump-start efforts under Trump's 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas war. The board said full reconstruction of Gaza's physical damage would cost about $35.2 billion over the medium term and $71.4 billion over the next decade, calling the need "immense.", according to PBS NewsHour.

The ceasefire took effect October 10 and was supposed to open the way for further Israeli military withdrawals, Hamas's disarmament, deployment of an international peacekeeping force, and creation of a new, apolitical Palestinian government to run Gaza day to day, alongside a broad rebuilding program. Progress has largely stalled: fighting has eased and humanitarian conditions have improved, but Israel's military now controls roughly 60% of Gaza, Hamas has not disarmed, the international force and new government have yet to arrive, and reconstruction has not started. Most Palestinians remain in tent camps or the ruins of their homes.

Nikolay Mladenov, the board's high representative, has said progress depends largely on Hamas giving up its weapons, while also urging Israel to pull back its military operations. Board members still face questions about timelines for deploying the international force and government and bringing in building materials.

Summarized by PolitiKool from PBS NewsHour’s reporting. Read the full story at PBS NewsHour →