Trump Unveils $10 Billion 'Board of Peace' for Gaza Reconstruction
In a striking juxtaposition of diplomacy and military posturing, President Donald Trump on Thursday announced a $10 billion initiative for a new "Board of Peace," primarily aimed at rebuilding the war-torn Gaza Strip. This announcement came even as US warplanes and aircraft carriers were deployed toward Iran on his direct orders, highlighting the administration's dual-track approach to Middle East tensions.
A New Institution Born from Ceasefire Negotiations
The "Board of Peace" emerged following the Trump administration's collaboration with Qatar and Egypt to broker a ceasefire in October, ending two years of devastating conflict between Hamas and Israel. President Trump welcomed approximately two dozen international allies to the refurbished Washington building formerly known as the US Institute of Peace, now renamed in his honor.
"Together we can achieve the dream of bringing lasting harmony to a region tortured by centuries of war and suffering," declared the realtor-turned-president, who has previously floated unconventional ideas like developing tourist resorts in Gaza. Despite his history of sharply reducing foreign aid, Trump committed the United States to contributing $10 billion toward this ambitious reconstruction effort.
Opaque Structure and Controversial Provisions
The new institution has immediately drawn widespread criticism for its lack of transparency and unusual governance model. Trump will retain permanent veto power over the Board and can continue serving as its head even after leaving office. Additionally, countries seeking permanent membership rather than a temporary two-year term must pay a staggering $1 billion fee.
During a rambling speech that touched on stock market gains, domestic political opponents, and his influence in foreign elections, Trump emphasized his commitment to peace deals. "It's all about an easy word to say, but a hard word to produce—peace," he remarked, without providing specific details about how the $10 billion would be allocated or managed.
Iran Tensions and Regional Security Concerns
The Board's launch occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions with Iran. Just two days prior, Trump had dispatched envoys to meet with Iran's top diplomat, demanding significant concessions regarding Tehran's nuclear program. "We have to make a meaningful deal otherwise bad things happen," Trump warned, suggesting that Washington "may have to take it a step further" without an agreement and hinting at developments within the next ten days.
Meanwhile, the United States has outlined that the Gaza peace plan has entered its second phase, focusing on disarming Hamas—the Palestinian militant group responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered Israel's massive offensive. According to Gaza's Hamas-operated health ministry, at least 601 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began.
International Participation and Governance Framework
The inaugural meeting attracted an eclectic mix of global leaders, including ideological allies like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Argentina's President Javier Millei, as well as figures seeking US support such as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Notably, Israel's foreign minister participated alongside Qatar's prime minister, despite ongoing tensions between the two nations.
A key development involves the formation of an International Stabilization Force to ensure security in Gaza, with Indonesia—the world's largest Muslim-majority country—expressing readiness to contribute up to 8,000 troops if confirmed. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, whom Trump praised as a "tough cookie," will join the inaugural Gaza meeting after participating in the Davos launch event.
For day-to-day governance, a technocratic committee led by engineer and former official Ali Shaath was established last month to manage Gaza's administration.
Criticism and Skepticism from Analysts
Experts have expressed deep reservations about the Board's vague mandate and potential overlap with existing international institutions like the United Nations. Bruce Jones, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, characterized the initiative as "a confused mix of ambition and narcissism, unleavened by any effort at intellectual coherence." Critics argue that without clearer operational guidelines and transparent governance, the $10 billion commitment risks becoming another symbolic gesture rather than a transformative peace-building mechanism.
