Trump-backed Gaza 'Board of Peace' has received only a fraction of pledged $17 billion, sources say
A U.S.-backed plan to rebuild and administer Gaza is facing major setbacks after only a small portion of the $17 billion pledged for the effort has been delivered, according to sources familiar with the initiative, stalling efforts to advance a postwar governance framework for the territory.
The plan centers on a “Board of Peace” initiative that was presented at a Washington conference attended by Gulf Arab states, where donors pledged billions for Gaza’s reconstruction and future governance following two years of widespread destruction in the enclave. The initiative envisions rebuilding Gaza after the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, alongside the establishment of a transitional administration led by Palestinian technocrats.
However, funding shortfalls have significantly slowed implementation. Of the countries that pledged support, only a few have reportedly contributed funds, with total disbursements estimated at under $1 billion. Sources said the shortfall, combined with regional instability, has hindered the rollout of governance and reconstruction efforts, including the deployment of a proposed interim Palestinian administrative body intended to take over civil operations in Gaza.
The “Board of Peace” has denied it is facing financial constraints, stating that funding requests are met as needed and that operations remain on track. Despite that, officials involved in the effort say the transitional administrative team has been unable to enter Gaza due to both security concerns and lack of resources. The committee, made up of Palestinian technocrats, has instead remained based outside the territory while awaiting conditions that would allow it to assume responsibilities.
Efforts to stabilize Gaza remain tied to ongoing negotiations over disarmament and security arrangements. Talks involving regional mediators have stalled, with major disagreements over whether armed groups must disarm before Israeli troop withdrawals or whether guarantees of withdrawal and an end to hostilities must come first. Observers say both sides remain deeply entrenched, with little progress toward compromise.
Meanwhile, humanitarian and reconstruction needs in Gaza remain extensive after years of conflict that have left much of the territory devastated and displaced large portions of its population. International estimates place rebuilding costs in the tens of billions of dollars, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing any future governance plan.
Diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, but officials involved in negotiations warn that the process remains stuck amid mistrust and competing conditions, raising uncertainty over the future of the proposed postwar framework.
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