Arabic version: مبادرة ترامب للسلام تؤمن 7 مليارات دولار لمساعدة غزة

Members of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace have pledged more than $7 billion towards a relief package for Gaza, according to BBC News. This announcement came during the board’s inaugural meeting, amid concerns from several Western allies about the organization’s intentions, which some fear may be to replace the United Nations in mediating peace efforts between Israel and Hamas.

The funding commitment is part of a broader U.S.-brokered plan aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, which includes the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of the war-torn region. Trump expressed optimism that Hamas would disarm, although reports indicate that the group is currently consolidating its control in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before its demilitarization.

The conflict escalated following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties and prompting a military response from Israel. The ongoing violence has led to devastating humanitarian impacts, with the UN estimating the damage in Gaza at around $70 billion.

Despite the significant financial support from countries such as Kazakhstan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, several nations, including the UK and Canada, have opted not to join the Board of Peace. Trump has attempted to alleviate concerns about sidelining the UN, stating that the board will work closely with the organization and reintegrate it into the peace process.

In addition to the financial pledges, Nickolay Mladenov, the board’s high representative for Gaza, revealed that recruitment for a new transitional Palestinian police force has begun, attracting around 2,000 applicants within hours. However, as Hamas continues to assert its influence over security and governance in Gaza, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains uncertain.