WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that nine nations have committed approximately $7 billion for a reconstruction effort in Gaza, alongside military contributions from five countries to establish an international stabilization force in the region. During the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, Trump highlighted the support from countries such as Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania, which will provide troops, while Egypt and Jordan will assist in training local police forces.
Initially, troops are slated to be deployed to Rafah, a key population center in Gaza, with the intention of focusing early reconstruction efforts there. The reconstruction pledges come from nations including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait. “Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope for a harmonious region,” Trump said, expressing gratitude to the contributors. However, experts note that this funding is a mere fraction of the estimated $70 billion required to rebuild Gaza following two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In addition to international pledges, Trump declared a $10 billion commitment from the United States, although he did not specify the funding’s intended use or how it would be allocated without Congressional authorization. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who heads the newly formed International Stabilization Force, indicated that plans would involve deploying 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 police officers to ensure security and pave the way for prosperity in Gaza.
The Board of Peace aims to extend beyond resolving the Gaza conflict, reflecting Trump’s larger 20-point peace plan. However, concerns are being raised that this initiative might compete with the United Nations for authority in global conflict resolution. Trump countered this criticism, asserting that his board’s establishment would enhance the U.N.’s capabilities. “Someday I won’t be here. The United Nations will be,” Trump said, emphasizing the board’s potential role in monitoring the U.N.’s effectiveness.
As discussions unfolded, tensions with Iran also became a focal point, with Trump underscoring that military action could be on the table if Tehran does not comply with U.S. demands regarding its nuclear program. A significant U.S. military presence has already been established in the region, further heightening the stakes.
The gathering included representatives from about 50 countries and the European Union, although some key nations, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, participated as observers without formally joining the Board of Peace. Notably, several leaders, including those from Indonesia and Argentina, attended the Washington meeting in person, suggesting widespread interest in the U.S.-led initiative.
Despite widespread praise for Trump’s diplomatic efforts, challenges persist. Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the need for coordinated responses to ceasefire violations. “The humanitarian situation remains fragile,” Fidan warned, stressing the urgency for action.
Central to the discussions was the objective of disarming Hamas, a significant stipulation for Israel and a critical component of the ceasefire agreement. Observers noted a lack of reassurance from Hamas regarding disarmament, posing risks for the U.S. plan’s success. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated a firm stance: “There will be no reconstruction until there is demilitarization.”
Trump suggested that Hamas had made commitments toward disarmament but provided little detail on how this would be ensured. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the complex path ahead, stating, “There’s a long way to go,” and stressing that the successful execution of the plans would require concerted efforts from all nations involved.