Washington, DC – During the first meeting of his newly formed Peace Council in Washington, US President Donald Trump announced a $7 billion initial contribution to the Gaza reconstruction fund. He also confirmed that the United States would contribute $10 billion to support reconstruction efforts and promote stability in the Gaza Strip following the war.
International funding and multiple contributions
At a meeting attended by representatives from 47 countries, Trump said that contributions included countries from Asia and the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Bahrain. He added that FIFA would allocate $75 million for sports projects in Gaza, while the United Nations pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid.
He explained that the council, which was announced last September as part of a broader plan to end the war, could expand its mandate in the future to include other conflicts around the world.
Disarmament challenges
The disarmament of Hamas stands out as one of the most significant challenges to implementing the plan, given the movement’s insistence on retaining its weapons and its demands for political and security guarantees. Trump expressed his hope that disarmament could be achieved without resorting to force. He also indicated that initial signs were “positive,” but stressed the need to wait and see how developments unfold.
In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Hamas’s disarmament would be achieved “peacefully or by force.” He considered it a fundamental condition for any lasting arrangements in Gaza.
International stabilizing force
Trump revealed that several countries plan to send thousands of troops to participate in an international peacekeeping force in Gaza, led by a US general and an Indonesian deputy. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto also announced his country’s readiness to contribute up to 8,000 troops.
The force is scheduled to begin operations in the city of Rafah. There is also a plan to train a new Palestinian police force of up to 12,000 officers and 20,000 soldiers. This comes as part of efforts to solidify the ceasefire and prevent a return to hostilities.
