US President Donald Trump announced a $10 billion US contribution to his Board of Peace during its inaugural meeting in Washington, DC, which focused on Gaza reconstruction and establishing an international stabilization force. Nine member nations pledged an initial $7 billion for Gaza reconstruction, and five countries committed troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF).
Key points
- The ISF commander, US army Maj.-Gen. Jasper Jeffers, stated the force will initially deploy in Rafah, southern Gaza, with a long-term goal of 20,000 troops and 12,000 trained police.
- Nine contributing nations (including Kazakhstan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, UAE) raised $7 billion for reconstruction.
- The UN will contribute $2 billion for humanitarian assistance, and FIFA will raise $75 million for soccer-related projects.
- The Board of Peace includes Israel but notably lacks Palestinian representatives.
- Trump suggested the Board of Peace might eventually have an ambitious mandate to tackle conflicts worldwide, potentially rivaling the UN.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Gaza reconstruction will not occur until Hamas disarms.
Why it matters
This initiative represents a significant, US-led effort outside established UN frameworks to manage the reconstruction and security of Gaza following years of conflict, raising concerns about undermining the UN's role.
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