US President Donald Trump has launched what he calls the Trump’s Board of Peace, announcing $7 billion (£5.5 billion approx.) in international pledges to rebuild Gaza during its first official gathering in Washington this week.
The meeting, held on Thursday in the US capital, saw Trump claim that multiple nations had committed funds towards a Gaza reconstruction plan following two years of devastating conflict.
He also declared that the United States would add $10 billion to the initiative. The move comes as Trump positions himself as a global peacemaker ahead of the US election cycle, even as Washington increases military pressure on Iran.
The announcement matters because Gaza’s rebuilding costs are estimated at around $70 billion, and the plan hinges on one major condition: the disarmament of Hamas.
What Is Trump’s Board of Peace?
Trump’s Board of Peace is a newly formed international initiative designed to coordinate funding and security efforts for rebuilding Gaza.
The concept first gained international attention during discussions at the Davos summit, where Trump outlined early ambitions for the project, developments explored further in reporting on the Board of Peace launch at Davos.
🚨 DECODING TRUMP’S $7BN GAZA PLEDGE 🚨
Trump just secured $7B for Gaza from the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in DC, but the real story isn’t the money, it’s the massive security shift quietly taking place in the Middle East.
What’s actually happening behind the press… pic.twitter.com/7xqrO11miy
— The Sacred Scroll (@SacredScroll) February 20, 2026
Trump told delegates the Board aims to “restore stability and prosperity” to the region. However, the structure of the group raises questions. Its membership is largely made up of Middle Eastern states, with several Western allies notably absent.
Countries reportedly pledging funds include:
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Morocco
- Bahrain
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- Uzbekistan
Trump said the US would contribute $10 billion but did not confirm whether Congress would need to approve the funds.
He also announced:
- $75 million from FIFA for football infrastructure
- $2 billion from the United Nations for humanitarian assistance
For context, reconstruction estimates currently stand at around $70 billion, meaning pledged funds so far cover only a fraction of projected needs.
How Much Will It Cost to Rebuild Gaza?
According to international aid assessments, Gaza’s infrastructure has suffered extensive destruction over the past two years.
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing & Urban Repair | $30bn+ |
| Energy & Utilities | $10bn+ |
| Health & Education | $8bn+ |
| Transport & Roads | $7bn+ |
| Other infrastructure | $15bn+ |
| Total Estimate | ~$70bn |
Even with Trump’s announced pledges, the funding gap remains significant. For UK readers, this figure is roughly equivalent to the NHS England annual capital budget.
Why Is Hamas Disarmament Central to the Plan?
The biggest condition attached to Trump’s Board of Peace is the disarmament of Hamas.
Trump said, “Hamas has promised to disarm. It looks like they’re going to be doing that, but we’ll have to find out.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded firmly: “Very soon, Hamas will face a dilemma, to disarm peacefully or disarm forcefully.”
In Gaza, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said any international force must first ensure Israel halts what he described as ongoing aggression. Hamas has not publicly committed to full disarmament.
For UK observers, this remains the central sticking point. Without a verified ceasefire and weapons surrender, international donors may hesitate to release large-scale reconstruction funds.
Will International Troops Be Sent to Gaza?
Trump confirmed plans for an International Stabilisation Force. He said several countries are preparing to deploy thousands of troops. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reportedly offered up to 8,000 personnel.
The force would:
- Operate initially in Israeli-controlled areas
- Begin work in Rafah
- Train up to 12,000 new police officers
- Deploy around 20,000 troops overall
The force would be led by a US general, with an Indonesian deputy. Security experts in the UK note that multinational stabilisation missions in conflict zones often require clear UN mandates to avoid political complications.
How Does This Affect the United Nations?
Trump insisted: “We’re going to strengthen the United Nations.”
However, some Western diplomats reportedly fear the Board of Peace could sideline the UN’s traditional diplomatic role.
The United Nations already coordinates large-scale humanitarian and reconstruction efforts globally. Any parallel structure could create overlap or political friction.
Why Are Tensions With Iran Rising at the Same Time?
While launching a peace initiative, Trump also escalated rhetoric towards Tehran.
He stated he would know within 10 days whether a “meaningful deal” with Iran was possible. At the same time, the US has reportedly bolstered military positioning in the region.
This dual message, peace-building in Gaza alongside hardline pressure on Iran, has prompted scepticism among some analysts.
For UK readers, Iran tensions directly affect global oil prices and, by extension, petrol costs at the pump.
