Trump Says Peace Board Commits $5 Billion Aid for Gaza

US President Donald Trump announced a major pledge for Gaza’s recovery. He said member states will commit over $5 billion. He shared the update on Truth Social on Sunday. Moreover, he said the pledge will be announced on February 19. The meeting will focus on reconstruction and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

Trump said member states will also send thousands of personnel. These forces will support a UN-authorised stabilisation mission. They will assist local police in the Palestinian enclave. Furthermore, he said this will strengthen peace efforts. The first official meeting will take place this Thursday. Leaders from more than 20 countries are expected to attend.

The gathering will be held at the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace. The State Department recently renamed the institute after Trump. Regional powers have joined the Board of Peace. These include Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Israel. Emerging nations like Indonesia have also joined.

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However, several Western allies have shown caution. Permanent members must pay $1 billion to join. Critics say this makes the board appear exclusive. Some call it a pay-to-play version of the United Nations Security Council. Trump launched the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January. Countries like Croatia, France, Italy, New Zealand, and Norway declined to join.

The board received backing from a UN Security Council resolution. It forms part of Trump’s plan to end the war between Israel and Hamas. The two sides agreed to a ceasefire last year. The ceasefire officially began in October. However, both sides accuse each other of violations. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 590 Palestinian deaths since then. Israel says four of its soldiers have died in the same period.