Board of Peace proposes $2.4 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza amid ongoing violence

The Board of Peace, supported by the United States, has proposed a $2.4 billion reconstruction plan for the Gaza Strip, despite ongoing Israeli attacks that resulted in the deaths of seven Palestinians. The plan was unveiled during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, outlining 66 projects aimed at recovery in Gaza. The total estimated cost for reconstruction due to damage from Israeli attacks is projected to be around $35 billion in the medium term, with an additional $71.4 billion needed over the next decade, according to the Board of Peace. Nikolay Mladenov, the Board's high representative, stated that the plan's success is contingent upon the disarmament of Hamas. In July, Hamas and other Palestinian factions agreed to a disarmament plan, which U.S. President Donald Trump described as a significant step towards peace. Mladenov emphasized the importance of ensuring the plan's effectiveness, stating, "We are not bound by a calendar." Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey reported that progress on the ground in Gaza has been minimal, with experts noting the challenges ahead. Despite international endorsement for efforts to improve conditions in Gaza, Saloomey highlighted that Israel has not fulfilled its commitment to withdraw troops, hindering recovery efforts. On the same day, Israeli drone strikes in the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis killed two individuals, identified as Osama Abu Khater and Mohammad Abu Elwan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the attack targeted a senior Hamas finance official. Al Jazeera’s Ibrahim Al Khalili reported worsening conditions in Gaza, particularly affecting displacement camps where many Palestinians sought refuge. Additional strikes in central Gaza and Gaza City resulted in more casualties, including an infant and an elderly woman wounded by Israeli gunfire. Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank have faced criticism from world leaders at the UNGA, including the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada, who condemned Israel's settlement policies and called for alleviation of suffering in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel's actions and stressed the need for the UN to fulfill its mandates in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated Turkey's commitment to the Gaza ceasefire agreement and called for immediate reconstruction efforts.