Washington, United States. U.S. President Donald Trump said nations have contributed $7 billion to a Gaza reconstruction fund intended to rebuild the enclave once Hamas disarms, speaking at the first meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday.
Funding announcements and contributors
Trump told representatives from 47 nations that the United States will contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace, without specifying where the money would come from or whether he would seek it from the U.S. Congress. He said contributing nations had raised $7 billion as an initial down payment for Gaza reconstruction.
Trump listed Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait as contributors. The board’s membership is mostly made up of Middle Eastern countries, along with leaders from outside the region.
Conditions and unresolved issues
The reconstruction fund aims to rebuild Gaza once Hamas disarms, a goal described as far from becoming a reality. Major questions expected to test the board include the disarmament of Hamas militants and accompanying withdrawal of Israeli troops, the size of the reconstruction fund, and the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s population.
Estimates for rebuilding Gaza, which Trump said was reduced to rubble after two years of war, range up to $70 billion.
Board scope and membership
Trump proposed the board in September when he announced his plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza, and later said its remit would expand beyond Gaza to address other conflicts worldwide. He reiterated that point on Wednesday by saying the board would look into “hotspots” around the world.
The Board of Peace includes Israel but not Palestinian representatives. Its founding membership does not include some key U.S. Western allies concerned about the scope of the initiative.
Other contributions and wider context
Trump said FIFA will raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza and that the United Nations will provide $2 billion for humanitarian assistance.
The meeting took place as the United States threatens war against Iran and has embarked on a major military buildup in the region in case Tehran refuses to give up its nuclear program.
What do you think are the main questions likely to test the Board of Peace in the coming months?