WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that several U.S. allies have collectively pledged over $7 billion to support humanitarian relief in Gaza.
During the inaugural session of the Board of Peace, which Trump established, the president stated that it appears Palestinian militant group Hamas may eventually disarm.“I’m happy to share that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait have all contributed more than $7 billion toward the relief fund,” Trump declared at the Washington-based opening of the board.
In a series of rapid announcements following a lengthy speech, Trump revealed that the United States will contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace. He explained that the initial $7 billion raised by participating nations serves as a starting point for reconstructing Gaza.
Trump initially proposed creating the board last September, when he unveiled his plan to end hostilities in Gaza. He later clarified that its scope would extend beyond Gaza to address conflicts worldwide.
Additionally, Trump mentioned that FIFA would raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza, and the United Nations would contribute $2 billion for humanitarian aid.The Board of Peace includes Israel but excludes Palestinian representatives. Trump’s remarks about expanding the board’s focus beyond Gaza have sparked concerns that it might diminish the United Nations’ role as the primary platform for global diplomacy and conflict resolution.
“We’re going to reinforce the United Nations,” Trump said, aiming to reassure critics. “That’s extremely important.”
This event unfolded amid Trump’s threats of military action against Iran and a significant buildup of U.S. forces in the Middle East, should Tehran refuse to relinquish its nuclear ambitions.Trump indicated that he expects to know within ten days whether a diplomatic deal is feasible. “We need a meaningful agreement,” he emphasized.The rally-like atmosphere featured music from his eclectic playlist, including Elvis Presley and the Beach Boys. Participants received red MAGA hats.
Senior officials indicated that Trump will also announce plans for several nations to deploy thousands of troops as part of an International Stabilization Force designed to maintain peace in Gaza once it is operational.Hamas, wary of Israeli retaliation, has been hesitant to surrender weapons as part of Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, which led to a fragile ceasefire last October, ending a two-year conflict.
Trump expressed hope that military force would not be necessary to disarm Hamas, stating the group has promised to do so. “It seems they are going to disarm, but we will see,” he said.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted in Israel that Hamas will be disarmed, either peacefully or by force. “Hamas will soon face a choice disarm peacefully or be disarmed by force,” he declared.
In Gaza, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem emphasized that any international peacekeeping force should monitor the ceasefire and prevent ongoing Israeli aggression. He mentioned that disarmament could be discussed without making firm commitments.Hamas, which has resumed governance of the devastated enclave, claims it is prepared to transfer authority to a U.S.-backed committee of Palestinian experts led by Ali Shaath, although Israel has yet to allow the group access to Gaza. Israel has not issued an official response to these claims.
In January, the White House appointed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, to serve on the initiative’s founding Executive Board.
Countries Participating in the Board So Far
The official X (formerly Twitter) account of the initiative lists over twenty-five nations as founding members, including key U.S. allies in the Middle East.
These include Israel and Saudi Arabia, along with Egypt and Qatar, which played mediating roles during the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations. Other regional members are Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
From around the world, participating countries also include Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
