The ambitious Gaza recovery initiative, endorsed by the Board of Peace under US President Donald Trump, has undergone a significant scale-down. Originally envisioned as a comprehensive reconstruction plan spanning the entire Gaza territory, it has now been curtailed to a smaller-scale pilot project located near Rafah in southern Gaza.
This pilot project aims to offer temporary housing solutions for tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been displaced. It will be supported by a local Palestinian civilian administration, a newly trained police force, and an international stabilization force. Despite these plans, officials have indicated that the project’s operational phase is not expected to commence until the end of 2026.
Currently, preparatory activities remain limited, with logistical infrastructure being developed near the Kerem Shalom crossing. As of now, construction on the pilot camp itself has not started. The project’s progress is contingent upon various political and security conditions, particularly the outcomes of the upcoming Israeli elections later this year.
The initiative has encountered multiple delays, primarily due to ongoing hostilities, constraints on humanitarian access, and disagreements surrounding reconstruction efforts, security measures, and the future governance structure of Gaza. These challenges have hindered the project’s timeline and scope.
Diplomatic engagements are ongoing to secure necessary funding, establish an international security force, and facilitate agreements on humanitarian access and the long-term stability of the region. However, uncertainties persist regarding the financing, implementation, and broader political context, which continue to pose challenges to the project’s realization.