International board faces steep challenge overseeing Gaza disarmament and rebuilding
A newly established international oversight body must now manage Hamas disarmament and a civilian transition in Gaza, a process carrying profound economic and security implications for European policymakers and investors.
An international ceasefire oversight body faces its first major test this week as Hamas agrees to a disarmament deal aimed at ending the war that began in October 2023. The agreement, announced late Thursday by US President Donald Trump, envisions Israeli withdrawal and a transition to civilian rule in the war-ravaged territory.
The economic stakes for the international community are immense. The United Nations, World Bank and European Union estimate that rebuilding Gaza will require $70 billion. This figure dwarfs the $7 billion in aid pledged during the board’s first meeting in February.
The Board of Peace comprises more than two dozen founding member nations, with permanent seats secured by a $1 billion contribution. Notably, major European powers including Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom participate only as observers. This limits their direct influence over the territory’s future governance and reconstruction contracts.
Nickolay Mladenov, the board’s director-general, emphasized that verification must be rigorous. He stated that Israeli withdrawal must move in lockstep with decommissioning following months of difficult negotiations.
Day-to-day administration will fall to the National Committee for The Administration of Gaza. This Palestinian technocratic body operates under the board’s supervision and is tasked with establishing a new police force and restoring public services.
Security and reconstruction hurdles
Securing the enclave requires a temporary International Stabilization Force of 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 police officers, according to Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers. Countries including Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania have pledged troops, while Egypt and Jordan committed to police training.
However, the security framework has already encountered severe disruptions. Indonesia placed its commitment of 8,000 troops on indefinite hold following the US and Israeli attack on Iran on February 28.
Political distrust remains a formidable barrier to progress. Israeli officials have expressed suspicion regarding the involvement of Qatar and Turkey. Meanwhile, Arab and Muslim board members have accused Israel of undermining the ceasefire with ongoing strikes.
Hamas negotiating team member Ghazi Hamad described the agreement as a full package requiring mutual compliance. He warned that the group will not take any steps without certainty that Israel will implement its side of the deal.
US officials have outlined ambitious economic visions for the territory’s future. Jared Kushner recently suggested reconstruction could be completed within three years, featuring coastal tourism, industrial zones and data centers. However, United Nations forecasts indicate that demining and rubble clearance alone will take significantly longer.
