Trump’s Peace Board Promises $7 Billion for Gaza Relief
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Board of Peace on Thursday, highlighting a critical condition for any reconstruction in Gaza. He stated that there would be no rebuilding until Gaza is demilitarized. This announcement follows the major escalation in violence due to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the capture of 251 hostages.
In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed over 72,000 lives according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza’s economy, leaving its infrastructure in ruins. The United Nations estimates that the damage could cost around $70 billion.
International Response and Funding for Gaza Relief
At the Board of Peace’s first meeting in Washington, former President Donald Trump announced that various nations have pledged more than $7 billion to assist with Gaza relief efforts. Contributing countries include:
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Morocco
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Uzbekistan
- Kuwait
In addition, the UN committed $2 billion for humanitarian assistance, and FIFA plans to raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in the region. Trump emphasized that every dollar spent is an investment in long-term stability for Gaza.
New Developments in Security and Governance
Nickolay Mladenov, appointed as the high representative for Gaza, indicated that the recruitment of a new transitional Palestinian police force has commenced. Within hours, 2,000 individuals had applied for positions. However, both Israel and the US insisted that candidates must undergo strict vetting. They seek to ensure this new police force does not originate from the Hamas-controlled police or solely from the Palestinian Authority’s security forces, which complicates the process.
The US proposes that this newly trained police force, supported by an International Stabilisation Force (ISF), will secure Gaza’s borders and facilitate the disarmament of armed groups, including Hamas. Yet, Mladenov acknowledged the lack of evidence suggesting this force could manage the disarmament effectively, given that Hamas appears unwilling to surrender its weapons without specific conditions.
Challenges to Peace and Reconstruction Efforts
The complications surrounding the disarmament of Hamas are fundamental. None of Trump’s reconstruction plans can proceed without an effective and widely supported security force in place. The current political landscape shows a divided Gaza, continuing Israeli occupation, and a lack of cohesion with the West Bank, which threatens the viability of a future independent Palestinian state.
Despite Trump’s optimistic rhetoric, there is significant skepticism about the effectiveness of the Board of Peace. Certain nations, including the UK, Canada, France, and Germany, have withdrawn from participation, expressing concerns that the initiative may undermine the UN’s role in the peace process.
Ultimately, the success of any reconstruction effort hinges on decisive action regarding security and the complicated relations between the involved parties. The situation in Gaza remains precarious as local and international stakeholders navigate these challenging dynamics.
