WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace Thursday, announcing billions of dollars in pledges from multiple nations toward the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of an international security force. The initiative, unveiled last September as part of a broader plan to end the conflict in Gaza, aims to rebuild the enclave and stabilize the region, though its long-term efficacy remains uncertain.
During a lengthy address to representatives from 47 nations, Trump stated the U.S. Will contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace, though the specific allocation of these funds remains unclear. Nine contributing nations have collectively pledged $7 billion as an initial down payment for Gaza reconstruction, contingent upon the disarmament of Hamas, a condition that currently appears distant. The United Nations has committed $2 billion in humanitarian assistance, and FIFA, the international governing body of association football, will contribute $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza.
A key component of the plan involves the deployment of an international security force (ISF) to Gaza. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, commander of the ISF, announced that five countries have committed troops: Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania. Egypt and Jordan have also pledged to train local police forces. The initial deployment will focus on Rafah in southern Gaza, with a long-term goal of fielding 20,000 troops and training 12,000 police officers.
The Board of Peace’s formation and scope have drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding its composition and potential impact on existing international diplomatic efforts. The board includes Israel but notably excludes Palestinian representatives. Trump has indicated the board’s mandate could extend beyond Gaza to address other global conflicts, raising concerns it could rival the role of the United Nations in conflict resolution. “We’re going to strengthen the United Nations,” Trump said, attempting to address these concerns, “It’s really highly important.”
International Response and Concerns
While several nations have pledged support, many U.S. Allies in NATO and the European Union have opted not to participate. Canada initially considered joining but withdrew after disagreeing over the cost of a permanent seat, following a critical speech from Prime Minister Mark Carney in Davos. Norway clarified that while it will host a meeting of the Ad-Hoc Liaison Committee (AHCL) for Palestinian aid this spring, it will not be joining Trump’s Board of Peace, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the AHCL, established in the wake of the 1993 Oslo Accords. The Guardian reports that Norway has maintained this role for decades.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hamas will be disarmed “one way or the other,” signaling a willingness to pursue forceful measures if necessary. However, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem indicated that any international force must “monitor the ceasefire and prevent the [Israeli] occupation from continuing its aggression,” without directly committing to disarmament. Several hundred Palestinians have been killed since a fragile ceasefire was established in October, according to reports.
Financial Commitments and Reconstruction Challenges
The $7 billion pledged for Gaza reconstruction represents a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild the territory, which has been devastated after more than two years of conflict. Al Jazeera reports that Trump described the U.S. Contribution as a small amount to “achieve the dream of bringing lasting harmony to a region tortured by centuries of war, suffering and carnage.” The source of the U.S. Funding remains unclear, and Congress was not involved in authorizing the project.
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto announced his country will contribute 8,000 or more troops to the ISF, while Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev pledged to deploy military units, including medical personnel. Approximately 2,000 Palestinians have applied to join a new transitional Palestinian police force, according to Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Board of Peace hinges on several critical factors, including the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the effective allocation of reconstruction funds, and the consistent flow of humanitarian aid. The board’s ability to navigate these complex challenges and foster a lasting peace remains to be seen. The U.S. Is also engaged in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, with Trump warning of “poor things” if an agreement is not reached, adding another layer of complexity to the regional landscape.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the Board of Peace can translate pledges into tangible progress on the ground. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
