Israel Blocks Trump-Backed Military Base Project in Gaza
News Desk
GAZA: Israel is reportedly preventing the construction of a proposed military base in Gaza that is intended to accommodate international troops under a US-backed plan led by President Donald Trump, according to a report by British newspaper The Guardian.
The project, which is being viewed as an initial step towards establishing an international stabilization force in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory, has reportedly remained stalled for more than two months.
Although a construction contract was awarded to a US-based company in August, work has yet to begin because contractors, trucks and essential construction materials have not been allowed to enter Gaza.
According to The Guardian, which cited a source familiar with the project, Israel’s refusal to facilitate the entry of personnel and equipment has prevented the construction process from getting underway. The report added that the lack of access through the border crossing has created a major obstacle to the project.
A Military Base for International Troops
In early August, the peace committee associated with Trump’s Gaza initiative awarded the first construction contract for the proposed base to Arkel International, a company based in Louisiana, United States.
Under the plan, the facility is designed to accommodate approximately 150 international troops. It is expected to serve as an important component of broader efforts to establish an international stabilization force tasked with supporting future security arrangements in Gaza.
However, the project’s progress has raised questions about the feasibility of the proposed security framework, particularly as the construction phase remains stalled despite the contract having been awarded months ago.
Israel’s Position Remains Unclear
The Guardian report did not establish the precise reasons behind Israel’s reported restrictions or clarify whether negotiations were underway to secure permission for construction workers, contractors and equipment to enter Gaza.
A spokesperson for the Peace Board declined to comment on the report, while the Israeli government and military also did not provide a response, according to the newspaper.
The absence of an official explanation has left uncertainty surrounding the project’s future and the possibility of overcoming the logistical and political obstacles delaying construction.
Wider Implications for Gaza’s Security Arrangements
The Peace Board was established following a ceasefire in Gaza in October 2025 and forms part of Trump’s broader initiative for the territory. The proposed international stabilization force is intended to play a role in the security arrangements envisioned under the plan.
The construction of a dedicated military facility capable of housing international personnel is therefore considered an important preliminary step towards implementing the proposal.
Yet the reported restrictions on construction materials, vehicles and contractors highlight the practical challenges facing the initiative. Without access for workers and equipment, the project cannot move forward, potentially delaying the deployment of the proposed international force.
No revised construction schedule has been announced. The project’s next phase will depend on whether the necessary access arrangements can be secured and whether the reported restrictions can be resolved.
For now, the delay underscores the gap between the proposed international security framework for Gaza and the practical conditions required to implement it on the ground.
