Trump pledges $10 billion for Gaza as Board of Peace secures $17 billion in global aid

US President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace on Thursday, unveiling a $17 billion global commitment earmarked for immediate humanitarian relief and the long-term reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

In an opening address defined by trademarked authority, Trump confirmed the US would provide $10 billion of the total package, with West Asian nations and international donors pledging an additional $7 billion.

The summit further secured commitments from Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, and Kazakhstan to deploy thousands of personnel to the International Stability Force (ISF). The multinational body is designed to systematically replace Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) personnel on the ground. However, the Israeli delegation maintained a firm stance, stating that a withdrawal from Gaza remains contingent upon the total disarmament of Hamas—adding that even such a move might not immediately trigger a full exit. Trump reinforced this ultimatum, warning that should Hamas refuse to relinquish its arsenal, the group would face a “shattered” response.

Following the President, Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s High Representative for Gaza, announced that the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye have reached a consensus on a formal disarmament framework. This proposal is slated for imminent presentation to militant factions within Gaza.

The success of the transition hinges significantly on the nascent Palestinian police force, as several nations contributing to the ISF have restricted their mandates to border patrols and securing humanitarian corridors.

Shortly before the summit, the National Commission for the Administrative Governance of Gaza (NCAG)—the body intended to supersede Hamas rule—launched an online recruitment portal for Palestinian police officers. Mladenov reported that thousands of applications were filed within hours. NCAG Chairman Ali Shaat told attendees the objective is to deploy an initial 5,000 officers within 60 days. These recruits will undergo Israeli security vetting before receiving professional training in Egypt and Jordan, with plans to eventually scale the force to 12,000 personnel.

The proceedings took on the distinct energy of a political rally. Closing the session, Trump brandished the signed commitment documents, declaring, “We are going to help Gaza. We are going to bring order. We are going to make it a success.”

As the announcement concluded, the President’s campaign anthem, “YMCA,” filled the hall while attendees donned red “USA” hats placed on their seats. Despite the attendance of high-ranking representatives from nearly 50 nations, many heads of state remained absent. King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain was the sole West Asian monarch to attend in person.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opted not to attend, sending Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in his stead—a move widely interpreted as a protest against the prominent roles granted to Qatar and Türkiye, nations Israel views as too closely aligned with Hamas. Nevertheless, organizers seated Saar directly adjacent to the Qatari Prime Minister for the official “family photo.” During an address exceeding one hour, Trump lauded the Board of Peace as the most effective platform for world leaders ever established.

While 28 countries formally joined the board, much of Europe maintained a strategic distance. EU capitals expressed concern that the new structure effectively sidelines the United Nations and grants the Trump administration unilateral authority.

Trump sought to downplay these frictions, stating he intends to coordinate with the UN and meet with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban was the only EU leader to participate as a full member, while other European states attended only in an observer capacity.

Trump characterized the conflict in Gaza as “largely over,” despite ongoing low-intensity skirmishes. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 570 Palestinians have been killed since the October 2025 ceasefire. Brushing aside Hamas’s public refusals to disarm, Trump insisted the group would comply. “The world is waiting on Hamas now. They are the only obstacle left,” he said.

The President detailed substantial financial pledges from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait. Specifically, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have each committed more than $1 billion.

Further support includes $2 billion raised by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), while FIFA has pledged $75 million for the restoration of athletic infrastructure.

While Trump suggested Japan and Norway would host future summits, the administration in Oslo quickly issued a rebuttal, stating it would not join the Board. Norway instead reaffirmed its commitment to hosting the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for Palestinian aid. Current estimates from the World Bank, EU, and UN place the total cost of Gaza’s reconstruction at over $53 billion.

US Permanent Representative to the UN Mike Waltz reported that an average of 4,200 aid trucks are entering Gaza weekly since the ceasefire—the highest volume in years. Waltz noted that this saturation of supplies has led to a significant decrease in the diversion and looting of humanitarian goods. However, aid agencies countered that Israeli bureaucratic hurdles continue to impede the entry of essential shelter and infrastructure materials.

NCAG Chairman Ali Shaat noted that over two-thirds of Gaza’s buildings have been destroyed, emphasizing that the restoration of security and basic services remains the immediate priority. Mladenov reiterated that large-scale reconstruction cannot commence until a total “silencing of the guns” is verified.

Major General Jasper Jeffers of US Central Command outlined the blueprint for the International Stability Force, which is envisioned as a 20,000-strong body divided into five brigades.

The initial deployment is scheduled for Rafah, with Indonesia providing the largest contingent of 8,000 troops and assuming the role of deputy commander. The broader recovery plan involves clearing 70 million tons of debris and constructing an initial 100,000 housing units in Rafah.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly underscored the importance of Palestinian self-determination and the territorial integrity between Gaza and the West Bank. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated Türkiye is prepared to contribute troops to the ISF in addition to humanitarian aid, though Israel continues to voice opposition to Turkish military involvement. The summit concluded with the unanimous adoption of a resolution establishing financial transparency protocols, which Trump signed into effect.