US President Donald Trump announced that several American allied nations have contributed more than $7 billion for relief and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. He made the statement during the first meeting of the newly formed Board of Peace in Washington.
Trump said countries including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait have jointly pledged over $7 billion as an initial payment for Gaza’s rebuilding.
He also declared that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the initiative. In addition, FIFA will raise $75 million for football-related projects in Gaza, while the United Nations will provide $2 billion for humanitarian assistance.
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Trump expressed hope that Hamas would disarm voluntarily. “It looks like they’re going to be doing that, but we’ll have to find out,” he said, adding that force may not be necessary if commitments are honored.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas would be disarmed either peacefully or by force. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said any international force must “monitor the ceasefire and prevent the occupation from continuing its aggression”. He did not clearly commit to disarmament.
The Board of Peace was first proposed by Trump last year as part of a broader plan to end the Gaza war. The initiative now aims to expand beyond Gaza to address other global conflicts.
However, the board includes Israel but no Palestinian representatives, raising concerns among critics that it could weaken the traditional diplomatic role of the United Nations. Trump responded by saying, “We’re going to strengthen the United Nations. It’s really very important.”
Senior US officials also said several countries are planning to send thousands of troops to form an International Stabilization Force to maintain peace in Gaza once deployed.
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The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the region, with Trump warning that he will know within 10 days whether a meaningful deal with Iran over its nuclear program is possible.
The launch event had a political tone, with music and campaign-style arrangements, reflecting Trump’s unique approach to diplomacy.
The Board of Peace includes more than two dozen countries, such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Turkey, UAE, Albania, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and others.
The initiative now faces a major test: whether pledged funds, political promises, and fragile ceasefire agreements can translate into lasting stability in Gaza.
