Trump’s Push for Gulf to Pay for Rebuilding Gaza Faces Hurdles

US President Donald Trump stood before Israel's parliament this month with ambitious words for Gaza's future. "I want to thank the Arab and Muslim nations in advance for pledging tremendous amounts of money to rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory," he declared, framing financial commitments as a cornerstone of his newly signed Gaza peace plan.

The proposal marks a bold shift in reconstruction strategy, placing the financial burden primarily on Gulf nations with deep pockets but complex political relationships with the region. For leaders in Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, Trump's request comes with both opportunity and risk: the chance to shape Gaza's future while navigating delicate diplomatic tightropes with both Israel and Palestinian factions.

Yet behind Trump's confident assurances lie significant hurdles. Previous rebuilding efforts have been hampered by political infighting, international disputes over aid distribution, and concerns about reconstruction funds being diverted. Gulf diplomats privately question whether the current political climate can support the kind of massive, coordinated financial commitment Trump envisions. "We've seen peace plans before," one Gulf-based analyst noted, "but never one where the checkbook leads the political process."

The administration faces a delicate balancing act: demonstrating tangible progress to justify continued international support while managing expectations from Gulf partners wary of writing blank checks. As rebuilding talks begin, the question remains whether financial pledges can translate into lasting peace when political solutions remain elusive.

Read the original reporting on Bloomberg.