Trump's Board of Peace Launches Ambitious Gaza Plan in Washington
Donald Trump delivered opening remarks at the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace in Washington DC, setting the stage for a controversial agenda focused on deploying troops to Gaza and mobilizing billions in reconstruction funds. The event drew heavy international scrutiny as autocrats and rightwing allies gathered to discuss the US-led initiative.
Multinational Force and Financial Commitments Top the Agenda
The US has proposed commanding a multinational force in postwar Gaza, with troops from Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Morocco. This plan requires the full disarmament of Hamas and support from Israel, though expectations are tempered by the board's composition of Trump-friendly figures. In his remarks, Trump vowed a $10 billion US contribution to a fund aimed at rebuilding Gaza, describing it as a small amount to "achieve the dream of bringing lasting harmony to a region tortured by centuries of war, suffering and carnage."
Additional financial pledges include $7 billion collectively from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, $2 billion from the UN, and $75 million from FIFA. Trump emphasized, "We're going to straighten out Gaza, we're going to make Gaza very successful and safe," and suggested the board could address global hotspots in the future.
Details of the Proposed Stabilization Force
Maj Gen Jasper Jeffers III, appointed to command the future International Stabilisation Force (ISF), outlined plans to deploy 20,000 soldiers across five sectors of Gaza, starting with Rafah. The long-term objective includes 12,000 police officers, with Egypt and Jordan committed to training. Indonesia's president, Prabowo Subianto, expressed readiness to commit up to 8,000 troops or more if necessary.
However, the ISF's remit and rules of engagement remain unclear, and an office in Gaza is reportedly empty, frustrating aid workers. The Guardian revealed that the Trump administration plans to build a 5,000-person military base over 350 acres in Gaza, according to board contracting records.
Reconstruction Vision and Criticisms
Yakir Gabay, leading the board's reconstruction efforts, described ambitious plans to remove over 70 million tonnes of rubble and develop the Gaza coastline into a "new Mediterranean Riviera with 200 hotels and potential islands," contingent on Hamas's disarmament. The board has faced criticism as a shadow UN, with major European allies like the UK, France, and Germany declining to join, and the Vatican also refusing participation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend, but Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar emphasized Israel's security concerns, stating the plan addresses the "disarmament of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip and deradicalisation of Palestinian society."
Trump's Remarks and Broader Implications
In his opening speech, Trump repeated claims of resolving eight wars, endorsed Hungary's Viktor Orbán in upcoming elections, and joked about renaming the DC venue in his honor. The meeting occurred as the US massed forces in the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers, for potential action against Iran. Trump hinted at further steps, saying, "Now we may have to take that a step further, or we may not," and noted ongoing talks with Iran.
The Board of Peace's inaugural summit, marked by unconventional proposals and international skepticism, underscores the challenges in delivering on Trump's vision for peace and reconstruction in conflict zones like Gaza.
