WASHINGTON D.C. — President Donald Trump has announced that his newly formed “Board of Peace” has secured $5 billion in initial pledges for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The announcement, made via Truth Social on Sunday, sets the stage for the board’s first official meeting this Thursday in the nation’s capital.
The summit is scheduled to take place at the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace—the recently renamed federal institution formerly known as the U.S. Institute of Peace.
A New Vision for Global Governance
In his characteristic bold style, President Trump hailed the board as a successor to traditional international institutions. “The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential international body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its chairman,” Trump wrote.
The board, which now consists of over 20 member nations, represents a pivot in U.S. foreign policy. Analysts suggest the body is designed to bypass the United Nations Security Council, offering a streamlined—if controversial—alternative for addressing global crises.
Boots on the Ground: The Stabilization Force
Beyond the financial aid, the President confirmed that member nations would commit thousands of personnel to an international stabilization force. This force is tasked with two primary objectives:
- Stabilizing the enclave following the October 10 ceasefire.
- Policing and disarming Hamas, a non-negotiable demand from Israel.
While the full list of contributing nations remains under wraps, Indonesia has emerged as the first country to offer a firm commitment. The Indonesian military stated Sunday that up to 8,000 troops are being prepared for a June deployment to assist in humanitarian and peace missions.
The $70 Billion Challenge
Despite the $5 billion “down payment,” the road to recovery remains steep. Joint estimates from the UN, World Bank, and European Union suggest the total cost to rebuild Gaza exceeds $70 billion.
The territory has been decimated by over two years of conflict. While the October ceasefire has slowed the heaviest fighting, the situation remains volatile. Israeli forces continue to maintain military-held zones and have conducted sporadic airstrikes since the deal was signed.
| Gaza Reconstruction Statistics | Details |
| Board of Peace Initial Pledge | $5.0 Billion |
| Total Estimated Cost | $70.0 Billion |
| Key Military Commitment | 8,000 Indonesian Troops |
| Primary Objective | Stabilization & Disarmament |
International Friction and Absences
The Board of Peace has not been met with universal acclaim. Several traditional U.S. allies, including Croatia, have publicly refused to join, citing concerns that the board undermines the United Nations’ authority.
Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not expected to attend Thursday’s meeting, despite his high-profile visit to the White House last week. His absence raises questions about the level of coordination between the new board and the Israeli government regarding the specifics of the security force.
As the board prepares to convene, the world is watching to see if this “alternative” body can succeed where decades of traditional diplomacy have struggled—or if it will further fracture the international order.
