U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that member nations of the newly formed Peace Board have committed $7 billion to the initiative, while the United States itself will contribute $10 billion. The inaugural meeting of the Peace Board, chaired by President Trump, was recently held in Washington, D.C., with representatives from 47 countries in attendance. Since the onset of the Israeli aggression in Gaza on October 7, 2023, the entire region has faced extensive devastation. Estimates suggest that approximately $70 million will be required for the initial reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Speaking at the Peace Board meeting, President Trump detailed that a collective sum of $7 billion would be provided by Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait to aid in Gaza’s redevelopment. However, he emphasized that reconstruction efforts would only commence once Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, lays down its arms. While pledging the $10 billion U.S. contribution, President Trump did not specify the source of these funds or clarify whether the allocation would require Congressional approval.
The efficacy of the Peace Board will be tested in the coming days by several critical challenges, including the disarmament of Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the mobilization of reconstruction funds, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid. Although Hamas has not yet laid down its arms, President Trump expressed optimism that disarmament could be achieved without the use of force. The Peace Board primarily comprises Middle Eastern nations, along with other countries seeking to align with the Trump administration. Nevertheless, some traditional U.S. allies have refrained from joining the board due to uncertainties surrounding its mandate. Furthermore, the inclusion of an Israeli representative without a corresponding Palestinian delegate has drawn international concern. Concerns have also been raised that the Peace Board’s potential expansion to address other global issues, as suggested by President Trump, could undermine the established role of the United Nations in resolving international conflicts.
