Washington: $17 billion for Gaza including housing project funding
U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced a $17 billion plan for projects in Gaza, including housing and public transport, amid calls from Israeli MK Tzvi Sukot for mass evacuation of Gazans.
The U.S. government has pledged $17 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza, focusing on housing and public transport projects, according to Steve Witkoff, the American Special Envoy for the Middle East. This announcement comes as part of a broader initiative led by President Donald Trump, who has previously pledged $10 billion through a new body called the 'Peace Council' aimed at aiding the Palestinian territory. The support from international partners includes $7 billion promised by nine countries, while five nations have expressed willingness to deploy forces to stabilize the situation in Gaza.
During an interview with Fox News, Witkoff described the inaugural meeting of the 'Peace Council' as inspirational, stating the commitment to provide substantial funds for the recovery efforts in Gaza. He mentioned that the initial sum of $17 billion could potentially increase to $34 billion, enabling the removal of debris and fostering a new beginning for the region. This plan symbolizes an effort to rebuild Gaza while aiming to establish a more stable environment through international cooperation.
Conversely, this optimism is overshadowed by the controversial call from Israeli MK Tzvi Sukot, who is advocating for the expulsion of two million Gazans. His remarks highlight the ongoing tensions and complex dynamics at play, suggesting that while financial investments are proposed for reconstruction, there are significant political challenges that must be addressed to ensure the success of these initiatives. The contrasting views within the Israeli government regarding the fate of Gaza residents underscore the difficulty of achieving peace and stability in the region.