WASHINGTON: Representatives of US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” have held discussions with Dubai-based state-owned logistics giant DP World regarding possible cooperation on managing supply chains and infrastructure rebuilding in Gaza, according to a report by the Financial Times on Tuesday.
Citing three individuals familiar with the matter, the report said the talks explored the possibility of a strategic partnership between DP World and the Board of Peace.
The proposed collaboration would focus on overseeing logistics operations linked to Gaza’s reconstruction, including the handling and distribution of humanitarian aid and commercial goods entering the enclave.
The discussions are understood to include plans for establishing systems for warehousing, cargo tracking, and security oversight to ensure the controlled movement of goods during the reconstruction phase.
These measures are being considered in response to the extensive devastation in Gaza, where nearly two years of Israeli bombardment are reported to have destroyed approximately four-fifths of buildings.
Global institutions have estimated that the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza could cost in the region of $70 billion, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing any post-conflict recovery effort.
According to the Financial Times, additional proposals discussed during the meetings include the construction of a new port either within Gaza or along Egypt’s nearby coastline.
The port could potentially be developed by DP World, a major global port operator headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. The company was also reported to have considered the development of a free-trade zone within the war-affected territory as part of longer-term economic recovery plans.
Neither DP World nor the White House immediately responded to requests for comment from Reuters regarding the reported discussions.
The “Board of Peace” was proposed by President Trump in September as part of a broader initiative aimed at ending the war in Gaza. Under his plan, Israeli forces would withdraw while reconstruction efforts begin in parallel with the disarmament of Hamas. Trump has also indicated that the proposed body could later extend its role to addressing other international conflicts.
The reported talks mark an early exploration of how large-scale international logistics and infrastructure firms could be integrated into post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza, should a political framework for peace be reached.
Rehabilitation of Gaza, where two years of Israeli bombardment have destroyed four-fifths of buildings, has been projected by global institutions to cost around $70 billion.
