The “Board of Peace,” established by US President Donald Trump to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, is preparing to award its first construction contract. However, the initial project is not for housing or humanitarian infrastructure in the devastated territory, but rather for the construction of a military base.
Citing a source familiar with the matter, The Guardian reported that the base is intended to house a 150-member Moroccan military contingent. While the contract has not yet been finalized, the construction work has been assigned to Arkel International, a Louisiana-based US firm that has previously worked on US government projects in countries including Iraq.
Trump formed the Board of Peace last January to supervise Gaza’s reconstruction, serving as its chairman himself. The board is led by his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and close associate, Steve Witkoff.
A board official stated via email that the board and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)—a group of Palestinian technicians managing the territory’s administration—are in the final stages of preparing several construction contracts. However, no agreement has been officially finalized yet.
The official noted that one potential contract involves constructing facilities for the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a force that would assist in implementing security and administrative plans for Gaza.
However, questions have arisen regarding the timing of this reconstruction initiative. Just days ago, Trump announced that Hamas had agreed to disarm; yet, uncertainty remains regarding how Hamas would surrender its weapons. Meanwhile, Israel has opposed the plan and intensified airstrikes on Gaza following Trump’s announcement.
From Grand Plans to a Small Military Project
The Board of Peace initially had ambitious plans for Gaza’s reconstruction. The Guardian reported last July that the scope had shifted from a grand plan to rebuild the entire territory to a smaller pilot project in southern Gaza.
The military base under the new plan will measure 100 by 120 meters and will house a small contingent of Moroccan troops. They will serve on a rotational basis from an Israeli base.
The base will be constructed in an area of Gaza where approximately 60 percent is currently under the direct control of the Israeli military. Israel has also established a buffer zone outside that area.
Sources indicate that the base will be located about a mile from the Israeli border. Special arrangements will be in place to rapidly evacuate troops in the event of an attack.
First step toward a larger military base
A UN-approved plan calls for the formation of an international stabilization force for Gaza. However, the legal framework for this force has not yet been finalized. Although Morocco has pledged to send a limited number of troops, no timeline has been set for their deployment.
According to a previously seen draft agreement, this 150-person base could serve as the first step toward constructing a larger military base capable of housing 5,000 personnel.
The initial plan outlined provisions for tents, cots, chemical toilets, hand-washing stations, vehicle parking areas, and protective earthen berms. These facilities were designed to be suitable for short-term stays.
Dreaming of a ‘New Gaza’ amidst the rubble
In February 2025, Trump had announced that the United States would take control of Gaza and assume ownership of it. However, no such provision was included in the subsequent agreement to form a ‘Board of Peace.’
During the board’s first meeting, Jared Kushner presented a plan dubbed “New Gaza,” envisioning the creation of a modern coastal city featuring high-rise buildings and industrial zones.
In reality, however, the situation in war-torn Gaza remains dire. At least 80 percent of the buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Even ten months after the ceasefire, approximately two million people are living in temporary and unsanitary camps.
