US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace has received only a fraction of the $17 billion pledged for rebuilding Gaza, preventing plans for the war-hit region’s future, Reuters reported citing sources.Just days before the US-Israeli strikes on Iran escalated into a wider conflict, Trump had hosted a conference in Washington where Gulf Arab nations pledged billions for Gaza’s governance and reconstruction after two years of devastation.
Out of the 10 countries that pledged funds, only the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and the United States have so far contributed, a source familiar with the peace board’s operations told the agency. The total funding received remains below $1 billion, though no further details were shared. The source added that the war involving Iran “has affected everything,” worsening the already strained funding situation.
‘No money is currently available’
The funding crisis has directly impacted plans to deploy the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a US-backed body of Palestinian technocrats intended to take control from Hamas.Reuters reported citing another Palestinian official familiar with the matter, said the board informed Hamas and other Palestinian factions that NCAG is unable to enter Gaza right now due to a lack of funding.“No money is currently available,” the official cited board envoy Nickolay Mladenovas as informing Palestinian groups.The NCAG, led by Ali Shaath, was envisioned as the administrative authority for Gaza post-conflict, responsible for running ministries and overseeing policing after the disarmament of Hamas and withdrawal of Israeli troops.However, both funding shortages and ongoing security concerns have kept the committee from deploying. Members are currently stationed in Cairo under supervision, awaiting clarity on the next steps.
War impact and humanitarian toll
Sources said the NCAG has been unable to move in due to both funding and security concerns. Despite a ceasefire agreed last October, violence has continued, with Israeli strikes killing at least 700 people in Gaza, according to local health officials.Global estimates suggest rebuilding Gaza, where nearly 80% of infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, could cost around $70 billion.The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, which killed around 1,200 people. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has killed over 72,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, and displaced much of the population.Talks hosted by Egypt on disarming Hamas have made little progress, with both sides sticking to hard positions. Israel insists Hamas must disarm before any troop withdrawal, while Hamas has demanded guarantees of a full Israeli pullout and an end to hostilities.Diplomatic sources told the agency that the deadlock raises the risk of a renewed large-scale offensive, further complicating the fragile peace efforts.
