The U.S.-backed Board of Peace has introduced a six-month, $2.45 billion plan to start rebuilding and managing Gaza, as challenges continue to mount around President Donald Trump’s proposed ceasefire agreement. During a recent meeting, the board presented a detailed plan involving 66 projects focused on infrastructure, education, and healthcare. These efforts aim to support Trump’s 20-point strategy to end the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, the board acknowledged that fully restoring Gaza’s physical damage would require about $35.2 billion in the medium term and an additional $71.4 billion over the next decade. The ceasefire, which began on October 10, was meant to kickstart a broader process for rebuilding Gaza under the Board of Peace’s guidance. The plan included steps like additional Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, the arrival of an international peacekeeping force, and the formation of a new, non-political Palestinian government to manage daily affairs in the territory. It also envisioned a comprehensive rebuilding program for the war-torn region. Despite these goals, the U.S.-backed plan has largely stalled. While the ceasefire has stopped the most intense fighting and improved some humanitarian conditions, the Israeli military has increased its control of Gaza, now holding about 60% of the territory. Hamas has not given up its weapons, and both the international peacekeeping force and the new government have yet to arrive in Gaza. Reconstruction efforts have not started, and most Palestinians still live in temporary shelters or the remains of their destroyed homes. Nikolay Mladenov, the board’s high representative, emphasized that progress depends largely on Hamas disarming, a step the group has not yet taken. He also called on Israel to reduce its military operations. A major challenge for the board now is not only planning the reconstruction but also setting a timeline for deploying the international force and new government. Additionally, they must develop strategies for disarming Hamas and ensuring the delivery of essential building materials to the region.