URGENT UPDATE: Donald Trump has just announced that his newly formed Board of Peace will unveil a staggering $5 billion (£3.6 billion) pledge for the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza. This pivotal announcement is set to take place tomorrow, October 10, 2023, during the Board’s inaugural meeting at the US Institute of Peace in Washington.
The pledges will include commitments of thousands of personnel to international stabilization and police forces for Gaza, a crucial step towards restoring order in the region. In a fervent social media post, Trump proclaimed, “The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman.”
While the specifics of the contributing nations remain unclear, Indonesia’s military has confirmed their readiness to deploy up to 8,000 troops by the end of June as part of a humanitarian and peace mission to Gaza. This marks the first tangible commitment received by Trump regarding the reconstruction efforts.
Rebuilding Gaza will be an enormous challenge; estimates from the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union suggest that the total cost could reach $70 billion (£51 billion). The ceasefire agreement calls for an armed international stabilization force to maintain security and oversee the disarmament of Hamas, a critical demand from Israel. However, interest in participating in this proposed force has been lukewarm, with few countries stepping forward.
The ceasefire, brokered by the US on October 10, aimed to halt a prolonged conflict that has seen devastating consequences for the region. Although the heaviest fighting has ceased, Israeli forces continue to conduct airstrikes and engage with Palestinians near military-controlled zones, underscoring the fragile state of security in the area.
Tomorrow’s meeting will be crucial, yet it remains uncertain how many of the over 20 members of the Board of Peace will attend. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who held talks with Trump last week, is expected to be absent from the gathering.
Originally envisioned as a group focused on ending the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Board of Peace has evolved to tackle broader global crises, positioning itself as a potential alternative to the United Nations. This shift has raised concerns among America’s key allies in Europe and elsewhere, who suspect an attempt to rival the UN Security Council.
Additionally, Trump confirmed that the meeting will occur at the US Institute of Peace, recently renamed in his honor. This institution is currently embroiled in litigation stemming from the prior administration’s controversial seizure of the facility and the dismissal of its nearly entire staff.
As the world watches, the outcomes of this meeting could redefine international relations and humanitarian efforts in Gaza, making it a critical moment for global diplomacy. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
