Gaza reconstruction talks have taken center stage in high-level discussions between Iraq and the United States. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris in Baghdad on Sunday. The two officials focused on the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and plans for rebuilding the devastated enclave.
From the outset, the meeting emphasized urgent action. Prime Minister al-Sudani expressed Iraq’s intention to help stabilize Gaza through strategic rebuilding initiatives. According to his media office, the talks covered both immediate relief and long-term recovery.
Al-Sudani and Harris agreed that stopping the violence in Gaza remains a top priority. The discussions stressed the need to coordinate global efforts. Both sides emphasized solidarity with the Palestinian people and called for swift humanitarian support.
The Israeli military campaign, ongoing since October 7, 2023, has left Gaza in ruins. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports over 68,000 deaths and more than 170,000 injuries. The scale of devastation has raised urgent global concern.
During the talks, Iraq confirmed its plan to take a leadership role in Gaza’s rebuilding process. This includes preparations for a regional summit to establish a dedicated Gaza Reconstruction Fund. A senior Arab diplomatic source told a news media that the fund will receive support from countries aligned with the peace framework signed in Sharm el-Sheikh.
This new initiative, therefore, aims to pool resources from regional and international partners. Additionally, Iraq hopes to rally international donors and drive coordinated efforts on the ground. Furthermore, the summit will likely set timelines, financial targets, and technical plans.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has outlined the enormous task ahead. It estimates that Gaza’s reconstruction will cost around $70 billion. Moreover, more than 55 million tons of debris must be cleared before major rebuilding can begin.
Clearly, Gaza reconstruction talks have moved beyond diplomacy. Now, they involve detailed planning and real political commitments. Consequently, Iraq sees this process as part of its broader strategy to enhance regional peace and cooperation.
Al-Sudani’s engagement, in fact, signals a shift in Iraq’s foreign policy. As a result, Baghdad aims to play a larger role in resolving Middle East conflicts. Therefore, as Gaza reconstruction talks continue, Iraq’s leadership could shape the future of peace-building across the region..
