Limited contributions to Trump-led initiative delay deployment of Palestinian administrative body and reconstruction efforts
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A U.S.-backed initiative aimed at rebuilding and governing Gaza is facing delays after receiving only a fraction of the funding pledged by international partners, according to sources familiar with the effort.
President Donald J. Trump launched the initiative through a Board of Peace, which sought approximately $17 billion in commitments to support post-conflict reconstruction and governance in Gaza. However, sources said less than $1 billion has been delivered to date, with only three countries—the United Arab Emirates, Morocco and the United States—providing contributions so far.
The funding gap has stalled plans to deploy the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a U.S.-supported group of Palestinian technocrats intended to assume control of the enclave following the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
According to one source with direct knowledge of the effort, the ongoing conflict involving Iran has further complicated funding and coordination. “The Iran war has affected everything,” the source said.
A second source, a Palestinian official, said representatives from the board informed Hamas and other factions that the committee cannot enter Gaza at this time due to financial constraints. The official cited envoy Nickolay Mladenov as stating, “No money is currently available.”
The proposed administrative body, led by Ali Shaath, is intended to take over civil governance functions, including management of ministries and oversight of local policing. Shaath and other committee members are currently based in Cairo under the supervision of U.S. and Egyptian officials, according to a diplomatic source.
The reconstruction plan envisions large-scale rebuilding following extensive damage to infrastructure in Gaza. Estimates from international institutions place the cost of rebuilding at approximately $70 billion after years of conflict.
Diplomatic efforts to advance the plan have been complicated by continued violence. Although a ceasefire was reached in October, clashes have persisted, with reports of casualties on both sides. Israeli forces remain deployed in significant portions of Gaza, while Hamas continues to control parts of the territory.
Negotiations over disarmament remain unresolved. Israeli officials have said they will not withdraw troops until Hamas disarms, while Hamas has indicated it will not relinquish weapons without assurances of a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to military operations.
Egypt has continued to host talks involving Hamas and other Palestinian groups, with additional meetings scheduled. However, sources involved in the discussions described the process as stalled, with concerns that renewed large-scale fighting could resume if no agreement is reached.
The Board of Peace initiative was introduced as part of a broader effort to stabilize Gaza and establish a new governing structure, but officials say progress remains limited due to funding constraints and ongoing security challenges.
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