• The Board of Peace has proposed a $2.45 billion, six-month reconstruction plan for Gaza.
• The plan includes 66 projects focused on infrastructure, governance, and essential services.
• Implementation hinges on cooperation between Israel and Hamas, whose disarmament is critical.
• The total cost for complete recovery is estimated at $71.4 billion over the next decade.
• International donations are necessary, with only $280 million of the $18 billion pledged received to date.

The Board of Peace, formed under President Donald Trump, has announced a $2.45 billion recovery plan for Gaza aimed at initiating reconstruction and governance. This six-month blueprint includes 66 projects emphasizing infrastructure, education, and health needs and is essential as Trump's ceasefire plan faces significant challenges. The Board concluded that "the need is immense," estimating the full reconstruction costs at approximately $35.2 billion for immediate recovery and an additional $71.4 billion over the next decade, according to Indiatimes, South China Morning Post, and Los Angeles Times.

According to US envoy Steve Witkoff, while humanitarian conditions have improved since the ceasefire that began on October 10, the reconstruction plans remain stalled. These plans depend heavily on a successful demilitarization of Hamas and a withdrawal of Israeli forces. Current conditions mean that the majority of the population in Gaza still live in precarious tent camps or the ruins of their homes, as cited by Al Jazeera and BBC.

The proposal outlines specific budget allocations, including approximately $1 billion for infrastructure projects, $400 million to provide temporary housing, and $275 million for rubble removal, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to immediate reconstruction needs. However, Nikolay Mladenov, the high representative of the Board, emphasized that progress relies on the disarmament of Hamas, whose military capabilities continue to pose a challenge, as noted in South China Morning Post and BBC.

Critical to the success of the reconstruction effort is securing adequate funding and establishing a multinational security force to oversee the transition, a condition tied closely to Israeli cooperation and ongoing geopolitical negotiations. Despite receiving $280 million of the $18 billion pledged, significant donations and international collaboration remain essential, highlighting ongoing operational challenges within the recovery mission, according to Indiatimes and Los Angeles Times.

As outlined by Mladenov, the success of the recovery plan will rely significantly on ensuring the needed security presence in the region, with a detailed strategy laid out for demilitarizing factions within Gaza. Without achieving these foundational steps, the reconstruction efforts will likely remain in limbo, underscoring the urgent need for both internal and external cooperation, as reflected in reports from South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.