Trump Discusses Gaza Reconstruction Funding
In a conversation with the Post on Monday, President Trump revealed plans for $5 billion dedicated to rebuilding the Gaza Strip. This funding will be allocated to projects approved by a peace commission, which is set to meet near the White House later this week.
This amount, announced just before Thursday’s summit, is considered a down payment on the estimated $70 billion needed for the comprehensive rebuilding of Palestinian territories, as indicated by a joint study from the United Nations, European Union, and World Bank.
During a brief phone interview, President Trump stated, “It’s going to be used to make the Gaza Strip happen.”
He also mentioned, “I think we can bring stability and ultimately peace to other parts of the world,” suggesting a broader vision for the council he chairs. However, when asked whether the funds would be used to construct housing for Gaza’s nearly 2 million residents, he responded, “We haven’t decided yet… That’s up to the board.”
Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, has been instrumental in negotiating a ceasefire following two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. He recently presented ambitious ideas for creating a thriving Gaza city reminiscent of Dubai and Doha at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Kushner’s plan includes a phased reconstruction approach, concentrating first on the southern sector of Gaza. A projected 100,000 new homes will be constructed in Rafah over the next three years.
A slideshow prepared by Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff outlined the gradual redevelopment of the coastal region, starting with housing projects.
Despite these plans, Hamas retains significant control in the area, having conducted attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. President Trump has hinted at possible military action by regional allies if Hamas does not disarm.
In November, the peace committee gained authorization from the United Nations to manage Gaza’s reconstruction. This includes setting up a “technocratic” Palestinian government and establishing an international peacekeeping force.
In a post on Truth Social, he mentioned that the council will formally announce this Sunday that member states have pledged more than $5 billion for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.
The meeting will also highlight commitments from member states regarding the deployment of “thousands of personnel to the International Stabilization Force and local police to ensure the safety and peace of Gazans.”
Additionally, Indonesia, recognized as the most populous Muslim-majority country, announced on Sunday that around 8,000 troops are preparing to deploy to the Gaza Strip between April and June of this year.
