WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the members of his recently established Board of Peace have pledged a substantial $5 billion for the rebuilding of war-ravaged Gaza. Alongside financial support, these members will also ensure the deployment of thousands of personnel into international stabilization and police forces in the region, aiming to foster stability and security.
The formal announcement regarding these pledges is scheduled for Thursday, when the board members congregate in Washington for their inaugural session. Trump emphasized the significance of the Board of Peace in a social media post, declaring, "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."
Although specific details regarding which countries are making these contributions remain undisclosed, Indonesia's military stated on Sunday that they are preparing to deploy up to 8,000 troops to Gaza by the end of June as part of a humanitarian and peace initiative. This marks the first firm commitment received in terms of personnel for the ongoing efforts.
The challenge of rebuilding the Palestinian territory is daunting, with estimates from the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union suggesting a staggering reconstruction cost of approximately $70 billion. Over two years of intense Israeli bombardment have left few areas in the Gaza Strip unaffected.
The ceasefire agreement dictates that an armed international stabilization force will be implemented to maintain security and ensure the disarmament of Hamas, the militant group, a primary request from Israel. So far, there has been a lukewarm response from nations regarding participation in this proposed stabilization force.
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. on October 10, aimed to put an end to more than two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas. While the most intense fighting has calmed down, Israeli forces have continued to conduct regular airstrikes and fire upon Palestinians near areas under military control, highlighting ongoing tensions.
The attendance of the over 20 members of the Board of Peace at the opening meeting remains uncertain. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently held discussions with Trump at the White House, is not anticipated to participate in the assembly.
Initially perceived as a strategy focused on concluding the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Trump's Board of Peace has quickly evolved into a broader initiative aimed at addressing global crises. This move appears to be a part of Trump's strategy to bypass the United Nations as he seeks to reshape the post-World War II international order.
However, many of America's principal allies in Europe and elsewhere have expressed skepticism about participating in what they consider might be an attempt to rival the United Nations Security Council.
Additionally, Trump confirmed that the meeting on Thursday will take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, which has recently been renamed the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace. This change has stirred controversy as the facility is currently subject to litigation initiated by former employees following the Republican administration's acquisition of the building last year and the subsequent termination of nearly all its staff.
