United States President Donald Trump is expected to present a multi-billion dollar plan for the reconstruction of Gaza at the first official session of the Board of Peace next week. The announcement is also set to include detailed proposals for a stabilisation force in the Palestinian enclave.
Two US officials said on Thursday that the meeting will take place in Washington on 19 February under President Trump’s chairmanship, with delegations from at least 20 countries, including several heads of state, expected to attend.
Establishment of the Board of Peace
Details of the President’s plans for the first session of the Board of Peace had not previously been made public.
On 23 January in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump signed the charter establishing the Board of Peace. Its creation was approved by a resolution of the United Nations Security Council as part of the President’s broader initiative.
While several influential Middle Eastern countries, including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as emerging economies such as Indonesia, have joined the Board, global powers and traditional Western allies of the United States have reportedly expressed reservations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during his visit to Washington that Israel has joined the Board.
President Trump has raised concerns among some observers that the Board could seek to become involved in other conflicts worldwide, potentially competing with the United Nations.
Multi-billion dollar fund for Gaza
According to US officials, next week’s session will focus exclusively on Gaza.
Central to the meeting will be President Trump’s announcement of a multi-billion dollar fund for the territory. The fund will include financial contributions from participating members.
One official described the offers as “generous”, clarifying that the United States had not made any explicit request for donations. “The world came to us offering. The President will make announcements regarding the money that has been raised,” the official said.
International stabilisation force
The deployment of an International Stabilisation Force constitutes a key component of the next phase of President Trump’s Gaza plan, originally announced in September.
Under the first phase, a fragile ceasefire took effect on 10 October. Hamas released all hostages, while Israel released Palestinian prisoners.
President Trump is expected to announce that several countries are willing to contribute thousands of troops to the stabilisation force, which is anticipated to be deployed in Gaza in the coming months.
A principal concern at present is the disarmament of Hamas fighters, who are reported to be reluctant to lay down their weapons. Under the plan, Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence with Israel and surrender their arms will receive amnesty.
Hamas members wishing to leave Gaza will be granted safe passage to countries willing to receive them.
Board of Peace sessions will also include detailed reports on the work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which was established to assume governance of the enclave from Hamas.
The Committee announced its composition and held its first meeting in January.
Officials said that further briefings will address humanitarian assistance for Gaza and the functioning of the enclave’s police force.