Key facts
- Senate Democrats plan to introduce legislation to sanction individuals and groups involved in West Bank settlements.
- The proposed sanctions target those facilitating Israel's E1 project.
- President Trump's Board of Peace unveiled a $2.45 billion plan for Gaza's reconstruction.
- Jared Kushner stated the goals for Gaza's reconstruction are transparent, calling for a fully demilitarized Gaza.
- Kushner claimed a security and demilitarization framework has been developed for Gaza.
US Senate Democrats are preparing to introduce legislation that would impose sanctions on individuals and groups involved in facilitating Israel's settlement activities in the West Bank, specifically targeting those connected to the E1 project. This legislative effort reflects growing concern among some US lawmakers regarding the expansion of settlements.
Separately, President Trump's Board of Peace unveiled a $2.45 billion starter plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, including 66 programs aimed at rehabilitating the territory's economic infrastructure. Jared Kushner, an executive board member, admitted the board has faced "delays" since its formation 11 months ago, stating they are "refining, sharpening the axe, getting ready for when we get to the time to cut the tree... hopefully, that will be very, very soon." Kushner also stated on X that the goals for Gaza's reconstruction are "transparent," calling for a "fully demilitarized Gaza, governed responsibly by Palestinians, where people can live with dignity, opportunity, hope and peace." He claimed a "security and demilitarization framework has been developed."
Nickolay Mladenov, the point man for Gaza on the executive board, said at Wednesday's meeting that the aim is to "give people a new chance" and ensure both Palestinians in Gaza and Israeli communities across the border have a chance to move past the fear of violence. However, the Board of Peace estimated it will take more than $71 billion over the next decade to fully rebuild Gaza. Athena Rayburn, executive director of the Association of International Development Agencies, told the UN Security Council that the Board of Peace is "failing" in Gaza and has "functioned to further entrench Israel’s unlawful presence" in the territory, enabling Israel's obstruction of humanitarian aid. She cited examples of Israel rejecting items like watermelons and onions under an unpublished "humanitarian policy."