President Donald Trump announced Thursday that nine countries have pledged $7 billion toward rebuilding Gaza, while five nations have agreed to deploy troops as part of a newly formed International Stabilization Force (ISF).
The announcement came during the inaugural meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace — a body he says will not only oversee Gaza’s reconstruction but could eventually expand its reach to global conflicts.
Who’s Sending Troops?
Five countries have committed forces for the stabilization mission:
- Indonesia
- Morocco
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Albania
In addition, Egypt and Jordan have pledged to train police forces for Gaza.
According to Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, who is leading the ISF, plans call for 12,000 police officers and 20,000 soldiers to operate in Gaza.
The first deployment is expected in Rafah, a key population center where reconstruction efforts will begin.
“With these first steps, we help bring the security that Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace,” Jeffers said.
Who’s Paying?
The $7 billion in pledges comes from:
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- United Arab Emirates
- Morocco
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Uzbekistan
- Kuwait
Trump also announced the United States would pledge $10 billion to the Board of Peace, though he did not specify how the funds would be allocated.
“Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of a new and harmonious region,” Trump said. “The Board of Peace is showing how a better future can be built right here in this room.”
Still, the pledged funds represent only a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to fully rebuild Gaza after two years of war.
A Bigger Vision Beyond Gaza
The Board of Peace originated as part of Trump’s 20-point ceasefire plan aimed at ending Hamas’ rule in Gaza.
But since the October ceasefire, Trump has expanded its ambition — suggesting it could help resolve global conflicts beyond the Middle East.
Critics have raised concerns that the Board could act as a counterweight to the United Nations.
Trump rejected that characterization.
“Someday I won’t be here. The United Nations will be,” he 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.”
Skepticism From Allies
More than 40 countries and the European Union sent representatives to the meeting. However, several traditional U.S. allies — including Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom — are participating only as observers rather than formal members.
Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council held a high-level meeting on the ceasefire just one day earlier, adjusting its schedule to avoid overlapping diplomatic travel.
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin also suggested that crisis management should primarily remain under U.N. leadership — comments the Trump administration pushed back against.
The Hamas Question
A major unresolved issue remains: the demilitarization of Hamas.
Disarming the militant group is central to Israel’s demands and a cornerstone of the ceasefire agreement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the complexity of the task.
“We have a long ways to go,” Rubio said. “There’s a lot of work that remains that will require the contribution of every nation state represented here today.”
U.S. officials privately admit the process will be long and difficult, though they say mediators have provided encouraging updates.
What Comes Next?
The initial troop deployment to Rafah marks the first concrete step toward stabilization.
But key questions remain:
- Will additional nations commit troops or funding?
- How quickly can reconstruction begin?
- Can Hamas be disarmed without reigniting conflict?
- And will the Board of Peace complement — or compete with — the United Nations?
For now, Trump is betting that security first will pave the way for prosperity.
Whether $7 billion and 25,000 security personnel are enough to stabilize Gaza remains to be seen.
