The complex process of rebuilding Gaza continues to face challenges as international representatives prepare to discuss the issue during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Scheduled for September 23, the gathering, organized by the Board of Peace, aims to evaluate efforts under the US-led plan spearheaded by President Donald Trump.
This meeting will bring together key stakeholders, including Board members, international partners, and mediators, to assess the progress of Gaza’s reconstruction. The agenda includes deliberations on priorities for the upcoming phase of redevelopment, with representatives from several UN agencies and the European Union planning to explore potential areas of collaboration.
A significant focus of the discussions will be on negotiating the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups within Gaza. The disarmament issue has been a sticking point, stalling broader reconstruction initiatives due to disagreements, most notably with Israel, which opposes critical aspects of the proposal. Israeli cooperation is deemed crucial for the advancement of both governance and reconstruction efforts in the region.
During the meeting, a committee of Palestinian technocrats is expected to present a detailed plan covering 71 projects intended for the first six months of operations. However, despite outlining these plans, the absence of a definitive start date underscores the ongoing stalemate fueled by the disarmament discussions.
As international representatives convene, the outcome of these discussions will be pivotal in determining the next steps for Gaza’s reconstruction, amidst the broader geopolitical challenges that continue to influence progress on the ground.