US President Donald Trump on Sunday (February 15) outlined new plans for what he called the “Board of Peace,” claiming the body will mobilize more than $5 billion for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the initiative would formally announce fresh financial commitments on February 19, at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, DC.
$5 billion for Gaza reconstruction
According to Trump, member states have pledged over $5 billion toward humanitarian relief and rebuilding efforts in Gaza. He said thousands of personnel would also be committed to an “International Stabilization Force” and local policing initiatives aimed at maintaining security and stability for civilians.
The announcement comes amid continued international focus on post-conflict reconstruction and governance arrangements in the Gaza Strip.
Claims of UN backing
Trump said he had previously released a plan in October for the “permanent end” to the Gaza conflict, claiming the vision was unanimously adopted by the United Nations Security Council. He also asserted that the initiative facilitated humanitarian aid at “record speed” and secured the release of hostages, both living and deceased.
There has been no independent confirmation provided alongside his statement regarding the Security Council’s unanimous adoption of the plan.
Davos gathering
Trump added that two dozen “Founding Members” joined him in Davos, Switzerland, last month to celebrate the official formation of the Board of Peace and to present a broader vision extending beyond Gaza toward what he described as “world peace.”
The annual gathering in Davos typically coincides with the World Economic Forum, where global leaders and business executives meet to discuss international economic and political issues.
Hamas demilitarization demand
In his statement, Trump emphasized that Hamas must uphold a commitment to “full and immediate demilitarization,” framing it as a key condition for long-term peace and security in Gaza.
Trump described the Board of Peace as having “unlimited potential” and said he would serve as its chairman, calling it “the most consequential international body in history.”
Gaza ceasefire enters crucial phase
The second phase of the US-brokered ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas is set to take center stage this week as Trump convenes members of the so-called “Board of Peace” in Washington.
The ceasefire agreement, sealed in October to halt the war triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, places disarmament at the core of its next stage.
Disarmament at the heart of phase two
Under the second phase of the deal, Israeli forces are to gradually withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas is expected to disarm. An International Stabilization Force would be deployed to maintain security as the transition unfolds.
Israel, for its part, has warned that if Hamas does not disarm voluntarily, it could be forced to do so by force.
Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high. Both sides accuse each other of daily violations. Since the truce took effect in October, more than 590 Palestinians — many of them civilians — and four Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed in sporadic violence.
Membership fees and diplomatic friction
Countries have reportedly been asked to contribute $1 billion for permanent membership in the board, a move that has drawn scrutiny. An invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin — whose country invaded Ukraine in 2022 — has sparked criticism from some Western capitals.
Key US allies, including France and Britain, have expressed reservations about the initiative, even as several regional Middle Eastern powers — Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar — have joined. Emerging economies such as Indonesia are also participating, while major Western powers have adopted a more cautious stance.
