From the Liveblog of
Thursday, February 19, 2026
Board of Peace official says homes for 500,000 residents to be built in 1st phase of Gaza housing plan
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleJacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
WASHINGTON — Board of Peace Executive Board member Marc Rowan details the housing plan for Gaza, saying it will rebuild the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
In the first phase, 100,000 homes will be built for 500,000 residents, says the Apollo Global Management CEO.
Over time, 400,000 more homes will be built in other parts of Gaza, he adds. “This is not a problem of money or collateral. This is a problem of peace.”
A subsequent video presentation at the Board of Peace inaugural event declares that the goal is to fully rebuild Rafah within three years.
By the end of that period, Gaza will be “connected to the world through an Abrahamic gateway, linking it with Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and extending to India and Europe,” says the narrator of the video presentation prepared by the Trump administration.
“By year 10, Gaza will be self-governed, integrated into the region with thriving industries and housing for all,” the narrator adds.
Board of Peace Executive Board member Ajay Banga says the World Bank, which he heads, has created a Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund.
He says the World Bank will manage contributions to the Board of Peace transparently and ensure that the money is used to promote peace.
The Times of Israel Community.