U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a $10 billion donation to a newly established initiative known as the “Board of Peace,” describing it as a major step toward preventing global conflicts and strengthening diplomatic efforts.
He also revealed that nine members of the body have committed $7 billion toward a relief package for Gaza Strip, while five countries agreed to contribute troops to an international stabilization force for the war-affected territory.
Troops are expected to be initially deployed to Rafah, a key population centre where the U.S. administration plans to begin reconstruction efforts.
According to Trump, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistanand Kuwait are among the nations making pledges.
“Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of new and harmonious (region),” Trump said while thanking donors. “The Board of Peace is showing how a better future can be built right here in this room.”
The pledged funds represent only a portion of the estimated $70 billion required to rebuild Gaza after two years of conflict.
Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, leader of the newly created International Stabilization Force, said plans call for 12,000 police officers and 20,000 soldiers to be deployed.
“With these first steps, we help bring the security that Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace,” Jeffers said.
The Board of Peace was initiated as part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.
Addressing criticism, Trump argued that the board would help strengthen the United Nations.
“Someday I won’t be here. The United Nations will be,” he said. “I think it is going to be much stronger, and the Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly.”
More than 40 countries and the European Union confirmed they were sending officials to the meeting. Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are among more than a dozen nations participating as observers but not joining the board.
“Almost everybody’s accepted, and the ones that haven’t, will be,” Trump predicted. “And some are playing a little cute — it doesn’t work. You can’t play cute with me.”
