Trump to Allocate Billions in Gaza Aid at Board of Peace Meeting

US President Donald Trump Announces Pledges for Gaza Reconstruction Fund

In his first meeting of the Board of Peace, US President Donald Trump announced that nine member nations have pledged $7 billion to a reconstruction fund for the Gaza Strip. Five countries have also agreed to deploy troops to an international stabilization force for the Palestinian territory.

During the meeting in Washington, DC, Trump stated that the US will contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace. He did not specify how the funds would be used. The member nations that made initial down payments on the reconstruction fund include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait.

Trump emphasized the importance of stability in the region, saying “Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of a new and harmonious region.” He also highlighted the Board of Peace’s potential to build a better future.

The pledged funds represent a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild the Palestinian territory. Indonesia has committed up to 8,000 troops to the proposed force, while Egypt and Jordan have agreed to train police officers.

The international stabilization force will be led by a US general with an Indonesian deputy. The force aims to start in the Israeli-controlled city of Rafah and train a new police force, eventually preparing 12,000 police and having 20,000 troops.

Some critics have expressed skepticism about the board’s effectiveness, citing past experiences with conferences and reconstruction efforts that were delayed or not implemented. Palestinian officials have emphasized the need for concrete solutions rather than pledges.

Source: Al Jazeera