WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced that pledges totaling over $7 billion have been secured for Gaza relief efforts, alongside commitments of troops from several nations, during the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace. The announcement marks a significant, if controversial, attempt by the former U.S. President to reassert influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
The Board of Peace, convened at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., drew participation from representatives of forty nations, though notably lacked significant representation from traditional U.S. Allies. According to statements released by the White House, initial financial pledges of $7 billion were made by nine Muslim nations: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait. This represents approximately ten percent of the estimated cost to rebuild Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage following a two-year conflict with Israel.
Beyond financial commitments, several nations have also pledged personnel for an international stabilization force intended to operate in Gaza. U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers indicated the force aims to deploy 12,000 police officers and 20,000 soldiers, with training support to be provided by Jordan and Egypt. Indonesia’s President Subianto reportedly committed at least 8,000 troops to the effort.
The formation of the Board of Peace and its focus on Gaza represent a departure from conventional diplomatic approaches. Trump, during the meeting, emphasized a direct, results-oriented approach to conflict resolution, contrasting it with what he characterized as the shortcomings of the United Nations. He also reportedly criticized major U.S. Allies for not joining the Board, stating they were “playing cute.”
Adding another layer to the proceedings, President Trump revealed that FIFA, the international governing body of football, intends to contribute $75 million towards football-related projects in Gaza. This pledge, if realized, could provide a much-needed boost to infrastructure and recreational opportunities within the territory.
The initiative has, however, drawn criticism. Some observers have questioned the composition of the Board of Peace and its potential effectiveness, given the limited participation of key international actors. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of transparency surrounding the Board’s operations and the potential for political motivations to influence its agenda. Dutch media outlet Trouw reported that the Board is considered by some to be a largely symbolic gesture.
The timing of this initiative is significant. Gaza remains in a state of humanitarian crisis following the recent conflict, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and a severe shortage of essential resources. The international community has been grappling with how to best address the reconstruction needs of the territory while also ensuring long-term stability and security.
The pledges announced represent a potential lifeline for Gaza, but their ultimate impact will depend on a number of factors, including the effective coordination of aid delivery, the establishment of a secure environment for reconstruction, and the resolution of underlying political disputes. The involvement of FIFA also introduces a unique element, potentially leveraging the popularity of football to promote social cohesion and provide opportunities for young people in Gaza.
Trump also used the meeting as an opportunity to reiterate his concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, warning that “bad things will happen” if a deal cannot be reached. He indicated that the world would learn more about the situation “over the next, probably, ten days,” suggesting a potential escalation of tensions in the region.
The Board of Peace’s broader ambitions extend beyond Gaza. Trump indicated that the group could potentially address a range of global conflicts, positioning it as a new platform for international problem-solving. However, the success of this endeavor will hinge on its ability to build trust and credibility with key stakeholders and to deliver tangible results on the ground.
The composition of the Board, with its emphasis on Muslim nations, reflects a deliberate strategy by Trump to cultivate relationships with countries in the Middle East. This approach, while potentially yielding short-term gains, could also raise concerns about the exclusion of other important actors and the potential for exacerbating existing geopolitical tensions.
The pledges secured are a first step, but the road to recovery for Gaza remains long and arduous. The international stabilization force, if successfully deployed, could play a crucial role in maintaining security and facilitating reconstruction efforts. However, the long-term sustainability of these initiatives will depend on addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering a lasting political solution.
