U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a $10 billion personal donation to a newly established body known as the “Board of Peace,” describing the initiative as a major step toward preventing global conflicts and strengthening international diplomacy.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Trump said nine members of the board have collectively pledged an additional $7 billion toward a Gaza relief package. He also revealed that five countries have agreed to contribute troops to form an international stabilization force for the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.
According to Trump, the first deployment of troops will be to Rafah, a densely populated area where the U.S. administration hopes to concentrate initial reconstruction efforts.
He added that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait are among the countries making financial pledges to support the initiative.
“Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of a 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.”
Despite the large commitments, officials acknowledged the funds represent only a portion of the estimated $70 billion required to rebuild Gaza after two years of devastating war.
Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who will lead the newly created International Stabilization Force, said current plans call for 12,000 police officers and 20,000 soldiers to support security operations in Gaza.
“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 created as part of Trump’s 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. Addressing critics, Trump argued that the board could ultimately strengthen the United Nations by providing additional oversight and direction.
“Someday I won’t be here. The United Nations will be,” Trump 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, along with the European Union, confirmed they were sending officials to Thursday’s meeting. Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom are among several nations participating as observers, though they have not formally joined the board.
“Almost everybody’s accepted, and the ones that haven’t, will be,” Trump said. “Some are playing a little cute — it doesn’t work. You can’t play cute with me.”
