• The U.S. will host the first Board of Peace meeting on February 19, 2026, seeking billions in global donations for Gaza reconstruction, with no confirmed multi-billion dollar funding plan from Trump announced.
  • A phased Hamas decommissioning strategy—starting with heavy weapons handover, site destruction, and incentives like jobs and amnesty—will be unveiled, though no formal proposal has reached Hamas yet.
  • The plan emphasizes free-market principles and self-sustaining governance to address Gaza's aid-dependent economy, but doubts persist among international leaders due to Hamas dominance and ongoing challenges.

Gaza Reconstruction Efforts Face Critical Test at Upcoming Board of Peace Meeting

U.S. officials are gearing up to pitch a comprehensive Gaza reconstruction plan at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting scheduled for February 19, 2026, in Washington, aiming to secure billions in international donations. The Trump administration invited global leaders to the gathering, which follows the board's establishment in January 2026 via a Davos ceremony where former President Donald Trump ratified its charter as chairman. According to people familiar with the matter, the focus will be on mobilizing funds for rebuilding efforts, aligned with UN Resolution 2803 (2025), rather than announcing a specific U.S. funding commitment.

Efforts to restructure Gaza's economy have hit a snag, with the region heavily reliant on aid—accounting for about 85% of its GDP—a situation deemed unsustainable by analysts. The proposed plan seeks to shift toward free-market principles and self-sustaining governance, but skepticism runs high among European and regional leaders. Without a viable disarmament strategy, the reconstruction could stall, potentially forcing Gaza into deeper economic turmoil. The U.S. is set to unveil a phased Hamas decommissioning approach, starting with heavy weapons handover and site destruction, coupled with incentives like jobs and amnesty, though sources indicate no formal proposal has been presented to Hamas yet.

Political tensions add another layer of complexity. The Board of Peace oversees Trump's 20-point Comprehensive Plan (Phase II), involving the National Committee for Gaza (NCAG) led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath for technocratic governance and an International Stabilization Force under Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers for demilitarization. Israel reluctantly concurred with the board's formation, wary of influence from countries like Turkey and Qatar, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu advanced his U.S. visit for Iran talks, signing the charter at the last minute. In a brief statement, a U.S. official emphasized that "the meeting is about building momentum for peace and prosperity," but no binding resolutions are confirmed for February 19, raising feasibility questions among diplomats.

On the ground, stakeholders face mounting hurdles. Hamas, grappling with cash shortages that have led some operatives to sell weapons, resists disarmament, while Palestinians look to the NCAG for interim governance and job opportunities. Dr. Ali Sha’ath expressed cautious optimism in recent remarks, saying the plan offers "hope for dignity and stability," but analysts warn that without swift action, Israeli military operations could intensify. Jared Kushner, a key architect of the initiative, urged skeptics to "calm down for 30 days," highlighting the delicate balance between security demands and reconstruction goals. The Trump administration has not disclosed any U.S. funding commitments yet, focusing instead on rallying international support, with additional board members and operational details expected to emerge in the coming weeks.

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Trump would announce a multi-billion dollar funding plan; the meeting is aimed at securing global donations, with no such announcement confirmed.