As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of rebuilding Gaza, a significant meeting is set to unfold on September 23. On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the Board of Peace will convene representatives from numerous countries to discuss the progress and future priorities under the U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza’s reconstruction.

This critical briefing will gather Board members, international partners, mediators, and other key stakeholders to evaluate ongoing efforts and strategize the next phase of the reconstruction initiative. Integral to these discussions will be representatives from several United Nations agencies and the European Union, who will explore potential areas of collaboration in the reconstruction and governance of Gaza.

A focal point of the meeting will be the update on the negotiations concerning the disarmament of Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza. This contentious issue has been a significant stumbling block, with the broader reconstruction efforts remaining stalled due to disagreements on the disarmament plan. Despite these challenges, a committee of Palestinian technocrats is prepared to present details of 71 projects slated for implementation in the initial six months, although no specific start date has been determined.

The Board of Peace has been actively pursuing advancements in the disarmament discussions, recognizing that Israeli cooperation is crucial to progressing with the planned initiatives for Gaza’s reconstruction and governance. However, Israel has voiced opposition to certain elements of the disarmament proposal, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing efforts.