Gaza

As President Donald Trump convened the first meeting of his Board of Peace (BoP) in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 2026, a palpable skepticism enveloped the Gaza Strip. For the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians struggling to survive in makeshift tents across central and southern Gaza, the pressing question was not about diplomatic language or political frameworks, but rather: Will anything actually change in the harsh reality on the ground?

Amal Joudeh, a 43-year-old mother of eight who now lives in a tent in Deir el-Balah, encapsulated the growing frustration. “I’ve heard about money being collected for Gaza, but we notice nothing. This has happened many times, but nothing ever changes,” she lamented. She, like many others, has been displaced from her home in Beit Lahiya and is desperate for any form of support or reconstruction.

During the meeting in Washington, Trump announced that nine member nations had pledged $7 billion to a reconstruction fund for Gaza, while five countries agreed to contribute troops to an International Stabilisation Force to support the Palestinian territory. He as well stated that the United States would contribute an additional $10 billion to the BoP, although he did not clarify how these funds would be utilized. Although, these pledges fall significantly short of the United Nations’ estimates, which suggest that up to $70 billion is needed to rebuild Gaza after the devastation caused by two years of conflict.

Ongoing Struggles Amidst Ceasefire

Despite the ceasefire agreement brokered by Trump in October 2025, conditions on the ground have seen little improvement. Most Palestinians continue to face severe food shortages, and essential services such as healthcare and education remain almost nonexistent. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that over 600 Palestinians have died from Israeli gunfire since the truce, which many had hoped would bring an end to the violence that has claimed more than 72,000 lives.

Awad al-Ghoul, a 70-year-old man displaced from Tal as-Sultan in Rafah, expressed deep skepticism about the efficacy of the Board of Peace. “If a peace board of this size cannot force Israel to stop its attacks in a small place like Gaza, how will it fix conflicts across the world?” he questioned. His sentiment reflects a broader concern that the BoP merely serves as a “club of major powers” rather than a genuine effort to address the needs of the Palestinian people.

Funding Doubts and Distrust

Many in Gaza are wary of international donor conferences, having seen past promises yield little tangible results. Al-Ghoul voiced a common sentiment, stating, “A small part will head to Gaza, and the rest will be administrative expenses and luxurious salaries for top officials.” This sentiment highlights a distrust that the funds pledged will benefit the particularly people who need it most.

The skepticism is compounded by ongoing Israeli restrictions on the entry of construction materials, which have hindered the realization of previous pledges. “Even if the board decides to rebuild Gaza, This represents unlikely to happen. We’ve heard this many times, and nothing has changed,” al-Ghoul lamented.

Concerns Over Peace and Security

Another source of anxiety among Gazans is the insistence on disarming Hamas, as stipulated in the truce accord. Many fear that this effort is aimed at fostering internal conflict rather than genuine peace. “Their main goal is to disarm Hamas so that we drown in internal and civil disputes,” noted Abu Makhdeh, a resident of Deir el-Balah.

As the situation remains dire, some individuals like al-Ghoul express cautious optimism regarding the potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force to Gaza. “Personally, I hope this force is sent, but it must act as a deterrent to Israel’s continued attacks,” he said, emphasizing the need for protection against further violence.

The Reality of Reconstruction Efforts

Despite discussions of “stability” and “peace,” the Board of Peace meeting yielded no concrete decisions on reconstruction. For al-Ghoul, any reconstruction efforts are meaningless if Israel continues its assaults. “Reconstruction has no value if Israel’s hand continues destroying and killing. What’s the point of rebuilding while Israel destroys?” he asked.

Many Gazans express a simple desire: safety, peace, and the chance to return home. Amal Jouda, displaced from Beit Lahiya, echoed this sentiment, hoping for a return to normalcy for her children, including the reopening of schools and moving out of her tent into a stable home.

As the world watches, the aspirations of Gaza’s inhabitants are straightforward yet profound: they seek justice, mercy, and a chance to live peacefully. “We are exhausted. They must show mercy. We demand what is excellent for our people,” Abu Makhdeh concluded.

As the Board of Peace embarks on its mission, the eyes of Gaza remain fixed on the outcomes of this initiative. Will it offer genuine support, or simply become another chapter in a long history of unmet promises? The coming weeks will reveal the board’s true impact on the beleaguered region.