Gaza is bracing for a significant shift in its security landscape as the Trump administration moves forward with plans to construct a large-scale military base within the territory. Documents obtained by The Guardian and reported by multiple news outlets detail a proposed facility capable of housing 5,000 U.S. Troops, a development that raises complex questions about the future of the region and the stated goals of the administration’s peace plan.
The base, reportedly planned for a 350-acre site, is intended to support what officials are calling the International Security Force (ISF) in Gaza, according to Egypt Today. This force is envisioned as playing a key role in maintaining stability and overseeing reconstruction efforts following years of conflict. The move comes as President Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” – a 20-point roadmap – enters what the White House describes as Phase Two: the implementation of lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity.
The plan hinges on the establishment of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a technocratic leader tasked with restoring core public services and rebuilding civil institutions. The NCAG’s work is intended to lay the foundation for long-term, self-sustaining governance in Gaza. According to a statement from the White House, the NCAG’s formation was “a vital step forward” in implementing the broader peace plan.
Central to the administration’s strategy is the Board of Peace, which President Trump chairs. The Board is intended to provide strategic oversight, mobilize international resources, and ensure accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace. The Board of Peace will fulfill all 20 points of the President’s plan, according to the White House. At inaugural talks, President Trump secured pledges for both Gaza reconstruction and troop commitments, as reported by ABC7 San Francisco.
The construction of a substantial U.S. Military presence, however, introduces a potentially destabilizing element. While officials frame the base as essential for security and stabilization, critics are likely to question the long-term implications of a permanent U.S. Military footprint in the region. The move also raises concerns about sovereignty and the potential for increased tensions with regional actors.
The plan aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025), which endorsed President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan and welcomed the establishment of the Board of Peace. This international backing is seen by the administration as crucial for legitimizing its efforts and garnering broader support for reconstruction and development initiatives.
The timing of these developments is significant. The announcement of the military base plans comes amid ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to establish a framework for long-term political stability. The Baker Institute for Public Policy, in a recent analysis, highlighted the importance of the U.S.-led Board of Peace in overseeing this process. However, the Institute’s report, dated , did not anticipate the scale of the proposed military installation.
The $10 billion commitment pledged by President Trump to the Board of Peace, as reported by The New York Times, will be critical in funding reconstruction projects and supporting the NCAG’s efforts to restore essential services. However, the effectiveness of these funds will be inextricably linked to the security situation on the ground, and the presence of a 5,000-strong U.S. Military force is intended to address that concern.
The proposed base is not without its detractors. Reports suggest that the plan has faced internal opposition within the administration, with some officials raising concerns about the logistical challenges and potential political fallout. The Palestinian Authority has yet to officially comment on the plans, but it is expected to express reservations about the presence of foreign troops on Palestinian territory.
The long-term success of President Trump’s plan will depend on a number of factors, including the ability to foster cooperation between the NCAG, the Board of Peace, and the international community. The establishment of a secure and stable environment is paramount, and the proposed military base is intended to be a key component of that effort. However, the potential for unintended consequences and the need for careful diplomacy cannot be overstated. The situation remains fluid, and the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious plan can deliver on its promise of lasting peace and prosperity for Gaza.
The role of Dr. Ali Sha’ath will be particularly important. His experience in public administration, economic development, and international engagement will be tested as he navigates the complex challenges of rebuilding Gaza and establishing effective governance. The White House has emphasized his “pragmatic, technocratic leadership” as essential to the success of the NCAG.
