Peace Council discusses reconstruction projects for Gaza with DP World

Translation SadaNews - The Financial Times reported today, Tuesday, that representatives from the Peace Council affiliated with U.S. President Donald Trump held talks with the state-owned multinational company DP World regarding supply chain management and infrastructure projects in Gaza.

Global institutions have estimated that the cost of rehabilitating Gaza, where the two-year war destroyed four-fifths of the sector's buildings, will be about $70 billion.

The report quoted three sources familiar with the matter as saying that the discussions focused on the prospects of establishing a partnership between DP World and the Peace Council for managing logistics services.

It added that these efforts will include humanitarian aid and other goods entering Gaza, including warehouses, tracking systems, and security.

The Financial Times also mentioned that during the talks, the possibility of constructing a new port either in Gaza or on the Egyptian coast was raised. Notably, this could also lead to the establishment of a free trade area in the Gaza Strip, according to the newspaper.

These discussions are part of long-term American proposals to privatize services and infrastructure in the Palestinian territories as part of the "New Gaza" plans, as published by the newspaper and translated by SadaNews.

A proposed project reviewed by the Financial Times involves a DP World-led initiative to create a "secure and traceable supply chain system" and an economy-centered port hub, along with light industries and job-generating trade platforms.

Neither DP World nor the White House immediately responded to any request for comment. The report indicated that U.S.-led efforts under the Peace Council continue discussions with international companies regarding potential privatization and infrastructure projects, although promised funding has not yet been realized.

Trump proposed establishing the Peace Council last September to oversee his plan to end the war between Israel and Gaza, later stating he would address other conflicts.

Estimates suggest that rebuilding Gaza will cost billions of dollars over the next decade, but progress has stalled due to limited funding, unresolved negotiations regarding the disarmament of Hamas, and ongoing political and security stalemates, according to the newspaper.

The report noted that U.S.-led efforts under the Peace Council continue to engage in discussions with international companies about potential privatization and infrastructure projects, despite the promised funding not yet materializing.

Reportedly, U.S. officials are planning billions of dollars in efforts to transform Gaza into a modern hub rich in infrastructure, but reconstruction has not yet begun following the ceasefire in October, as humanitarian conditions remain dire and restrictions on goods hinder access.

Sources for the Financial Times reported that current entry systems are insufficient for the scale of the anticipated rebuilding operation.

A source familiar with the matter told the Financial Times: "You cannot rebuild Gaza as they envision by transferring 1,500 trucks weekly through Israeli crossings. We need larger, more efficient, and less complicated entries. The current situation is like working through a straw."

A Peace Council official told the Financial Times that the body aims to increase the flow of goods and reconstruction services into Gaza and is in contact with several potential partners.

The source added: "We are conducting market research focusing on how to identify the best operators in their class and next-generation solutions."