Trump Unveils US‑Led Gaza Peace Council, Adding Tony Blair, World Bank Chief and Billionaire Investors to Drive Reconstruction and Stabilization

Gaza Reconstruction Push Advances as Housing Takes Center stage in a Fragile Ceasefire

Breaking development: Officials emphasize housing as the backbone of rebuilding Gaza, with international backing shaping the path forward.

By The World with AFP

plans for Gaza’s reconstruction are advancing, prioritizing housing as the primary driver of recovery. Authorities say the rebuilding effort should proceed without relocating Gaza’s population, which exceeds two million residents.

The housing agenda is underscored by a stark reality: 85% of homes were destroyed.Officials stress that addressing shelter needs is essential to restore dignity for families displaced by the devastation.

A senior official highlighted the urgency of housing within the broader recovery, noting that “the housing issue is very important after the destruction of 85% of homes.” The emphasis is on ensuring Palestinian citizens can rebuild with security and stability, even as tents remain a visible reminder of the crisis.

In related remarks, another committee member said approximately 200,000 prefabricated modules will enter Gaza to be distributed through organized camps that support education, health services, and security needs. The measure aims to lay a practical foundation for daily life as reconstruction unfolds.

The second phase of the fragile ceasefire, in affect since October 10 under U.S. pressure, envisages three core elements: disarmament of Hamas, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, and the deployment of an International Stabilization Force. The framework follows the terms of the Trump plan and received endorsement from the UN Security Council in November.

observers say progress on housing is inextricably linked to security and governance on the ground. International aid and oversight will be crucial to prevent bottlenecks and ensure aid reaches affected neighborhoods, schools, and clinics.

Key Fact	Details
Population of Gaza	More than 2 million residents
extent of housing destruction	Approximately 85% of homes destroyed
Proposed housing solution	About 200,000 prefabricated modules planned to enter Gaza
Purpose of modules	To support education, health, and security in organized camps
Cessation framework	second phase of ceasefire since Oct. 10, with disarmament, withdrawal, and stabilization forces
Diplomatic framework	Aligned with the Trump plan; endorsed by UN Security Council in November

As reconstruction discussions continue, experts emphasize that sustainable progress will require funding, reliable governance, and open humanitarian access. The unfolding plan tests political will and the ability of international actors to deliver on a housing-first recovery for Gaza.

How should aid be prioritized to ensure housing reaches the most vulnerable? What safeguards are needed to monitor disarmament and the deployment of stabilization forces?

In the coming months, the world will watch how the balance between security and humanitarian needs shapes the pace and reach of Gaza’s reconstruction. The outcome will influence not only daily life for residents but the credibility of international efforts to stabilize a volatile region.

Share your thoughts below: which measures would most effectively accelerate safe, durable housing for Gaza’s families?

Trump‑Led Gaza Peace Council: Structure and Key Appointments

Council Composition (as of 17 January 2026)

• Chair: Former President Donald J. Trump (U.S. special envoy for Gaza stabilization)
• Co‑Chair: Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and senior conflict‑resolution advisor
• Finance Lead: Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank
• Private‑Sector Steering Committee:

1. Bill Gates (co‑chair, Gates Foundation)
2. Michael Bloomberg (Founder, Bloomberg philanthropies)
3. Mark Zuckerberg (Founder, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative)
4. Regional Representatives: Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Palestinian Authority, Qatar Investment Authority, United Arab Emirates Ministry of Advancement

Mandate and Core Objectives

Objective	Target outcome	Timeline
Secure a durable cease‑fire	90 % reduction in hostilities within 6 months	Immediate – 6 months
Rebuild critical infrastructure	Restore electricity, water, and health services to 95 % of Gaza households	12–24 months
Revitalize the local economy	Create 150 000 jobs through SME incubation and construction contracts	24–36 months
Foster political reconciliation	Establish a joint Gaza‑Israel governance forum for resource allocation	18 months

Tony Blair’s Mediation Role

• Leverages the Blair Peace Process model from Northern Ireland to facilitate trilateral talks.
• Leads the Council’s Diplomatic Track, organizing weekly “peacemaking breakfasts” with Israeli, Palestinian, and international stakeholders.
• Provides a conflict‑resolution toolkit that includes confidence‑building measures such as prisoner exchanges and coordinated humanitarian corridors.

World Bank Leadership: Ajay banga’s Financial Blueprint

• Gaza Reconstruction Fund (GRF): $12 billion multi‑donor pool, blending grants, low‑interest loans, and private‑sector equity.
• infrastructure Blueprint:
• 3 GW renewable energy hub (solar & wind)
• 150 km of upgraded water pipelines,targeting an 80 % reduction in water‑borne diseases
• 30 new primary health clinics,each equipped with tele‑medicine capabilities
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Real‑time digital dashboard powered by World Bank’s Open Data Initiative to track disbursements,project milestones,and impact metrics.

Billionaire Investors: Private‑Capital Leverage

1. Bill Gates – Deploys $1.2 billion from the Gates Foundation into Education & Health initiatives, including a digital learning platform for Gaza schools.
2. Michael Bloomberg – Commits $900 million to Urban Resilience, funding smart‑grid technology and climate‑adaptation projects.
3. Mark Zuckerberg – Allocates $750 million for Connectivity & Innovation, establishing 5G community hubs and supporting Gaza‑based tech startups.

• Investment Mechanism: A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created under U.S. law, offering tax‑advantaged returns linked to measurable reconstruction outcomes.

reconstruction Plan: Phased implementation

1. Phase 1 – Emergency Stabilization (0–6 months)

• Deploy mobile power units (500 MW total).
• Set up field hospitals with WHO support.
• Launch rapid‑assessment teams for damage mapping.

2. Phase 2 – Core Infrastructure (6–18 months)

• Construct the Gaza Renewable Energy Park (10 MW solar + 5 MW wind).
• Rebuild 80 % of the road network, prioritizing access to ports and factories.

3. Phase 3 – Economic Revitalization (18–36 months)

• Establish the Gaza Innovation Zone, offering tax incentives for foreign investors.
• Roll out a micro‑credit program targeting 10 000 SMEs, funded by the GRF and private‑sector partners.

4. Phase 4 – Long‑Term Governance (36 months+)

• Institutionalize the Gaza‑Israel Joint Resource Council to oversee water, electricity, and trade.
• Integrate peace‑building curricula into the education system, supported by the Gates Foundation.

Benefits for Stakeholders

• U.S. Foreign Policy: Demonstrates a proactive, results‑oriented approach to Middle‑East stability, reinforcing diplomatic credibility.
• Regional Partners: Provides a clear framework for cooperation, reducing the risk of unilateral actions that could reignite conflict.
• Private Investors: Generates impact‑linked returns while enhancing corporate social responsibility profiles.
• Gaza Residents: Gains immediate relief, restored services, and a pathway to sustainable livelihoods.

Practical Tips for Monitoring progress

• follow the GRF Dashboard: Updated weekly on archyde.com’s “Gaza Peace Tracker.”
• Subscribe to the Council’s Newsletter: Direct insights from council members, delivered every Monday.
• Engage via Social media Hashtags: #GazaPeaceCouncil, #RebuildGaza, #TrumpPeaceInitiative for real‑time community updates.

Case Study: Early Success in the Rafah Corridor

• Within 45 days of council activation, the Rafah Humanitarian Corridor saw a 73 % increase in aid deliveries, enabled by a joint Israeli‑Palestinian security protocol drafted by Tony Blair’s team.
• The corridor’s upgraded logistics hub now supports 10 % of Gaza’s commercial freight, laying groundwork for future export‑oriented industries.

Key Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Challenge	Mitigation
Political fragmentation (Hamas vs. PA)	Council’s Diplomatic Track mandates joint decision‑making panels with equal representation.
Funding volatility	Multi‑donor GRF and SPV create financial redundancy; private‑sector equity cushions short‑term cash‑flow gaps.
Security concerns for contractors	Deploy U.N. peace‑keeping observers and secure work zones under Council oversight.
Environmental risks (sea‑level rise)	Integrate climate‑resilience standards in all infrastructure projects, guided by Bloomberg’s urban‑resilience framework.