WASHINGTON — The Biden administration unveiled a sweeping, if ambitious, plan Thursday to establish a multinational force in postwar Gaza, as President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace. The initiative, met with skepticism from key allies, aims to stabilize the region and oversee a massive reconstruction effort, but faces significant hurdles including the full disarmament of Hamas and securing the support of Israel.
At the meeting, held at the United States Institute of Peace, Trump pledged $10 billion in U.S. Funding toward the reconstruction of Gaza, describing it as a minor but crucial step toward “lasting harmony” in a region “tortured by centuries of war.” Additional financial commitments were announced from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations, and, notably, FIFA, the international governing body of association football, which pledged $75 million. The scale of the proposed reconstruction, however, is immense, with estimates exceeding $70 million in rubble and unexploded ordnance needing removal, according to Yakir Gabay, a Cypriot-Israeli billionaire leading the board’s reconstruction efforts.
The plan hinges on the deployment of a 20,000-strong international stabilization force (ISF), divided into five sectors across Gaza, beginning with Rafah, according to Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers III, the U.S. Officer appointed to command the force. Indonesia has offered to contribute up to 8,000 troops, potentially more, while Egypt and Jordan have committed to training future Palestinian police forces, with a long-term goal of 12,000 officers. The U.S. Also intends to build a 5,000-person military base over more than 350 acres in Gaza, according to contracting records obtained by The Guardian.
The Board of Peace, however, has drawn criticism as a potential “shadow UN,” with major European powers like the UK, France, and Germany declining to participate. The Vatican also announced it would not join the initiative. The composition of the board, which includes countries with questionable human rights records, has raised concerns about the potential for authoritarian influence. During the meeting, Trump also appeared to endorse Hungary’s Viktor Orbán in upcoming elections, a move likely to further alienate European allies.
A Complex Path to Reconstruction and Security
The success of the plan is inextricably linked to the complete disarmament of Hamas, a condition emphasized by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Sa’ar stated that the plan must address the “disarmament of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip and deradicalisation of Palestinian society” to be effective. However, the lack of a clear political solution and the ongoing security concerns in the region cast doubt on the feasibility of achieving full disarmament.
Aid workers on the ground report that the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, an organization established by the board, is struggling with a lack of clear direction, and the ISF office in Gaza remains largely unoccupied. The ambiguity surrounding the ISF’s mandate and rules of engagement further complicates the situation, potentially hindering reconstruction efforts.
Financial Commitments and the Role of FIFA
The financial pledges made at the Board of Peace meeting represent a significant, though potentially insufficient, commitment to rebuilding Gaza. The $10 billion from the U.S., combined with the $7 billion from other nations, $2 billion from the UN, and $75 million from FIFA, totals $19.075 billion. The involvement of FIFA, led by President Gianni Infantino, who was photographed wearing a red “USA” cap at the meeting, has raised eyebrows, but the organization framed its contribution as an investment in the future of Palestinian youth through football programs.
Broader Regional Implications
The Board of Peace meeting took place against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the U.S. Maintaining a significant military presence in the region, including two aircraft carriers and dozens of warplanes, potentially preparing for a conflict with Iran. Trump alluded to previous strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and suggested further action may be considered, stating, “We’ll see where that goes.” He indicated that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, but warned that “bad things will happen” if a “meaningful deal” cannot be reached.
The long-term viability of the Board of Peace and its ambitious plans for Gaza remains uncertain. The initiative faces significant political, logistical, and security challenges. The next ten days, as Trump indicated, will be critical in determining whether a path toward de-escalation and reconstruction can be forged, or whether the region will remain on a trajectory toward further conflict.
The U.S. State Department is expected to provide a more detailed briefing on the implementation of the Board of Peace’s plans next week. Further updates on troop deployments and financial contributions will likely emerge in the coming days.
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