US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the newly created Board of Peace has secured $5 billion in pledges to help rebuild war-damaged Gaza. He also said thousands of personnel have committed to join an international stabilisation and policing mission in the territory.
Trump stated that the financial and military commitments will be officially revealed on Thursday when the board holds its first meeting in Washington. In a social media post, he described the initiative as historic. “The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History and it is my honour to serve as its Chairman,” he wrote.
Funding and troop details remain unclear
Although Trump highlighted the pledged support, he did not name the countries that have promised funds or agreed to send forces. However, Indonesia’s military said it could prepare up to 8,000 personnel by the end of June for possible deployment to Gaza under a humanitarian and peacekeeping role. This marks the first clear public commitment linked to the administration’s plan.
The Board of Peace was established after the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution supporting the initiative. The move forms part of Trump’s broader strategy to end the long-running conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Ceasefire under strain
Israel and Hamas accepted the proposed framework last year, and a ceasefire began in October. However, both sides have since accused each other of violating the truce.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 590 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire started. Meanwhile, Israel has reported that four of its soldiers were killed by Palestinian militants during the same period.
Rebuilding Gaza will require major resources
The scale of destruction in Gaza is severe. Estimates from the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union suggest that rebuilding the enclave could cost around $70 billion. More than two years of Israeli bombardment have left vast areas damaged or destroyed.
Under the ceasefire terms, an armed international stabilisation force will be formed to maintain security and oversee the disarmament of Hamas. This demand has been central to Israel’s position. So far, only a small number of countries have openly indicated their readiness to join the mission.
Regional participation but global hesitation
Several regional countries — including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, and Indonesia — have joined the Board of Peace. However, many major global powers and traditional Western allies of the United States have taken a cautious approach.
The October 10 ceasefire, brokered by the United States, aimed to halt more than two years of fighting between Israel and Hamas. While the most intense clashes have decreased, Israeli forces continue to carry out airstrikes and regularly open fire near military-controlled zones.
It remains uncertain how many of the board’s more than 20 members will attend the inaugural meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently met Trump at the White House, is not expected to participate.
A broader global ambition
Initially, the Board of Peace appeared focused solely on ending the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, it now seems to reflect Trump’s wider ambition to address global crises through a new international platform. The initiative is also seen as part of his effort to reshape the post-World War II global order and reduce reliance on existing United Nations mechanisms.
Some European allies and other close U.S. partners have declined to join the board. They reportedly view it as a possible alternative or rival to the Security Council.
Meeting venue and controversy
Trump confirmed that Thursday’s gathering will take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, which the State Department announced in December would continue under the name the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace.
The building itself is currently involved in legal disputes. Former employees and executives of the nonprofit think tank filed lawsuits after the Republican administration took control of the facility last year and dismissed most of its staff.
Overall, the Board of Peace marks a significant diplomatic step by Trump’s administration. However, questions remain about its funding sources, troop contributions, and how widely it will be accepted on the global stage.