Listen to the article
Trump Secures $7 Billion for Gaza Relief as Peace Board Confronts Challenges
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that nine countries have pledged $7 billion toward Gaza reconstruction efforts, with five nations agreeing to deploy troops as part of an international stabilization force for the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.
The commitments came during the inaugural meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace in Washington, which drew representatives from nearly 50 countries and the European Union. The funding pledges, while substantial, represent just a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild Gaza after two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of a new and harmonious region,” Trump said during the meeting. “The Board of Peace is showing how a better future can be built right here in this room.”
Trump also announced a $10 billion U.S. pledge to the board but offered no details on how the money would be used or where it would come from—a commitment that would require congressional approval.
The board was initially created as part of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. Since the October ceasefire, however, Trump has expanded its mission beyond Gaza, suggesting it should help resolve conflicts globally. This broadened vision has sparked concerns that Trump aims to create a rival to the United Nations.
Addressing these criticisms directly, Trump claimed the board would strengthen the UN’s effectiveness. “Someday I won’t be here. The United Nations will be,” he said. “I think it is going to be much stronger, and the Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly.”
Despite the diplomatic progress, significant obstacles remain. The disarmament of Hamas—a core demand from Israel—threatens to derail the fragile ceasefire. Netanyahu has insisted that “there will be no reconstruction” without demilitarization, while Trump warned that Hamas would be dealt with “very harshly” if it fails to disarm, though he provided few specifics on implementation.
Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have committed troops to the Gaza stabilization force, while Egypt and Jordan pledged to train police. The international force, led by Major General Jasper Jeffers, aims to deploy 12,000 police and 20,000 soldiers to Gaza, beginning in Rafah—a largely destroyed city currently under Israeli control.
“With these first steps, we help bring the security that Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace,” Jeffers stated.
The countries pledging reconstruction funds include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait.
While the meeting drew wide participation, several Western allies attended only as observers, including Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Notable leaders who attended in person included Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Hungarian President Viktor Orbán.
Some international figures have expressed skepticism about the board’s role. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized that “at the international level, it should above all be the U.N. that manages these crisis situations.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot criticized the European Commission’s participation, stating it lacked a mandate to attend.
Trump also used the gathering to issue fresh warnings to Iran amid escalating tensions and an unprecedented U.S. military buildup in the region. With one aircraft carrier group already deployed and another en route, Trump demanded Tehran denuclearize, abandon ballistic missiles, and stop funding groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. “We have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise bad things happen,” he warned.
Throughout the meeting, many officials lavished praise on Trump’s diplomatic achievements. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called him the “savior of South Asia,” while others suggested Trump had accomplished what his predecessor could not.
Despite this optimism, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, whose country also offered to contribute troops, cautioned that the situation remains precarious: “The humanitarian situation remains fragile and ceasefire violations continue to occur. A prompt, coordinated and effective response is therefore essential.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting there’s “a long ways to go” in Gaza and that achieving lasting peace “will require the contribution of every nation state represented here today.”
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
17 Comments
Interesting to see such a large financial commitment for Gaza reconstruction. Rebuilding after conflict is critical for long-term stability and development in the region.
Absolutely, the $7 billion pledge is a significant investment. It will be important to ensure the funds are used effectively and transparently.
Securing funding and troop commitments is a good first step, but the real test will be in the implementation and coordination of the reconstruction efforts on the ground.
Investing in stability and a ‘harmonious region’ is a noble goal, but the logistical and political challenges in Gaza should not be underestimated.
You make a fair point. The path to lasting peace and development in the region is fraught with complexities that will test the Board of Peace’s abilities.
A $10 billion U.S. pledge is substantial, but as you noted, it would require congressional approval. I’m curious to see the details on how that funding would be utilized.
Good observation. The source and allocation of the U.S. funds will be an important part of the overall reconstruction effort.
It’s encouraging to see the international community coming together to address the challenges in Gaza. Sustainable peace and development in the region should be the ultimate goal.
It’s encouraging to see the international community rallying behind this effort, but the scale of the reconstruction needs is daunting. I hope the funds and resources are deployed effectively.
The troop commitments to help stabilize Gaza are an interesting addition to the reconstruction plans. I wonder how that international force will be structured and deployed.
Rebuilding Gaza after the recent conflict is a massive undertaking. I’m curious to see how the funding and troop deployments will be allocated and prioritized.
This seems like a positive step forward, though the $70 billion estimated cost is quite daunting. I’m curious to see how the international community will coordinate the relief efforts.
You raise a good point. Effective coordination and oversight will be key to maximizing the impact of the reconstruction funds.
The Board of Peace concept seems like an ambitious initiative to coordinate global efforts. I hope the participating countries can maintain their commitments and cooperation over the long term.
Agreed. Sustained international collaboration will be crucial for the Board of Peace to achieve meaningful and lasting results.
The Board of Peace initiative seems like a creative approach to addressing the challenges in Gaza. I’m curious to see how it evolves and what long-term impact it can have.
Agreed. The success of this board will depend on its ability to maintain focus and momentum over time, which can be a significant challenge.