• The Palestinian Authority plans a significant post-war role in Gaza despite being sidelined by the U.S.
• Arab support is seen as crucial for the PA's position amid concerns from Israel.
• The PA aims to enhance its governance capabilities in response to international plans.
• Reconstruction costs for Gaza are estimated at $80 billion, significantly higher than previous projections.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) anticipates a crucial role in the governance of post-war Gaza, even as President Donald Trump’s peace plan currently sidelines it. The Authority is relying on Arab support to solidify its position amidst expectations that the Islamist militant group Hamas will disarm and relinquish its control over Gaza, which it has governed since driving the PA out in 2007, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Despite its sidelining in Trump's plan, which proposes an internationally supervised committee to take over Gaza, PA officials express expectations of a significant role facilitated by reforms. The PA’s President Mahmoud Abbas has made public commitments to tackling corruption and holding elections as part of the reforms demanded by Western nations, which he hopes will garner international recognition for Palestine, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa has outlined the PA's existing involvements in Gaza, highlighting that the Authority has maintained essential services and paid civil servant salaries since the Hamas takeover. He expects a deep involvement in Gaza governance post-war, arguing that while temporary international arrangements are essential, the PA has the capacity to effectively govern, according to Reuters and India Times.

The reconstruction of Gaza presents significant financial challenges, with recent updated estimates projecting costs at around $80 billion, notably higher than previous figures. This cost reflects the dire need for rebuilding following the prolonged conflict and represents a substantial multilateral effort involving Arab states and others, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Arab nations, including Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, are backing a transitional administrative committee that would operate under PA leadership. This backing underscores the PA's perceived importance in any successful governance scenario in Gaza, despite skepticism about its comprehensive authority in the initial phase of the plans outlined by Trump, as noted by experts such as Ghaith al-Omari from the Washington Institute, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.