The United States plans to close its flagship Gaza mission in southern Israel amid stalls in President Donald Trump’s reconstruction plan, sources told Reuters. As reported by Reuters, the U.S.-led center has faced funding shortfalls and operational challenges since its inception. The mission, part of broader efforts for Gaza governance, struggled with security and financial issues.
Trump’s Board of Peace received only a fraction of the $17 billion pledged by Gulf states and others for Gaza’s rebuilding after Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal. According to sources cited by Reuters, only the UAE, Morocco, and the US contributed funds, totaling under $1 billion. The Iran war exacerbated these difficulties, halting progress on the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
What Are the Reactions to the Closure?
Sources familiar with the operations described the center’s efforts as ineffective in bolstering the Israel-Hamas truce. A Palestinian official quoted board envoy Nickolay Mladenov as telling factions, “No money is currently available,” preventing NCAG entry into Gaza. Hamas indicated readiness to hand over governance to NCAG, led by Ali Shaath, but security and funding blocked this step.
Supporting Details
NCAG members have remained in a Cairo hotel under U.S. and Egyptian supervision, unable to assume control of Gaza’s ministries and police. Gaza rehabilitation costs around $70 billion due to four-fifths of buildings destroyed in two years of Israeli bombardments, per global institutions cited by Reuters. Disarmament talks between Hamas, Israel, and Trump’s board remain deadlocked, with Egypt hosting ongoing meetings.
What Lies Ahead for Gaza Efforts?
The mission’s closure signals further setbacks for Trump’s peacemaking initiatives, echoing challenges in Ukraine and Iran truces. Israeli officials prepare for potential full-scale offensives if Hamas does not disarm, while sources fear relaunch of major operations. No immediate responses came from Board of Peace or NCAG representatives when contacted by Reuters.
The U.S. shutdown of its key Gaza coordination hub underscores persistent funding gaps and regional conflicts stalling reconstruction. Trump’s plan, reliant on multinational pledges and Palestinian technocrats, faces indefinite delays amid ongoing security concerns and diplomatic stalemates.
