WASHINGTON (TNND) — A newly created advisory group from President Donald Trump is stepping into discussions about Gaza’s future, as international officials warn the cost of rebuilding the war-torn territory could reach tens of billions of dollars, and humanitarian needs remain urgent.
The president’s “Board of Peace” met in Washington on Thursday to discuss reconstruction efforts in Gaza. President Trump pledged $10 billion from the U.S. and members of the Board of Peace reportedly pledged $7 billion, according to NBC News.
One country that has signaled possible involvement is Indonesia. Its military has said it would be prepared to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza by the end of June as part of a humanitarian or peacekeeping mission, according to remarks from Indonesian officials reported by Anadolu Agency.
While political plans begin to take shape, the scale of destruction on the ground is becoming clearer and far more daunting.
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during speeches at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace on February 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. Assembled to raise money for the rebuilding and stabilization of Gaza, Trump’s Board of Peace was formally established on the sidelines of World Economic Forum in January of 2026. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
UN: Gaza is up to 92% damaged in some areas
According to the United Nations Development Programme, damage across Gaza is widespread and severe.
UNDP Special Representative for the Palestinians Jaco Cilliers says destruction across the enclave is “in the region of 84 percent,” and in parts of Gaza City, damage may be as serious as 92%. That level of devastation is striking given Gaza’s size. The strip is only about 25 miles long and just a few miles wide, meaning most of the territory has been affected.
$70 billion to rebuild – $20 billion just to start
A joint rapid damage assessment conducted by the United Nations, European Union, and World Bank estimates that rebuilding Gaza and making it safe again could cost roughly $70 billion.
Officials say about $20 billion would be needed within the first three years alone to begin recovery and stabilization efforts. That price tag reflects not just destroyed homes and infrastructure, but also the need to clear massive debris fields, restore utilities, rebuild hospitals, and create economic stability.
For now, the focus is survival, not rebuilding
Even with ceasefire conditions improving, UN officials stress that Gaza is still in a stabilization phase rather than a reconstruction phase. UNDP teams working with humanitarian partners say they are focused on immediate necessities:
Cilliers says crews have already removed about 81,000 tonnes of debris, roughly 3,100 truckloads, primarily to reopen roads and restore access to hospitals and public services.
Aid delivery is still dangerous and limited
Humanitarian agencies say reconstruction planning may be underway, but aid access remains a major obstacle. The International Committee of the Red Cross says distribution remains difficult and sometimes dangerous, with civilians in some cases injured or killed while trying to reach aid sites. UN officials say the challenge now is ensuring that supplies reach communities directly rather than forcing civilians to travel through unsafe areas to get them.
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