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WASHINGTON:
US President Donald Trump said at his first Peace Council meeting on Thursday that countries had contributed $7 billion to a Gaza reconstruction fund aimed at rebuilding the enclave once Hamas disarms, a goal that is far from becoming a reality.
The disarmament of Hamas and the accompanying withdrawal of Israeli troops, the size of the reconstruction fund and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s war-scarred population are among the major issues likely to test the board’s effectiveness in the coming months.
In a series of announcements at the end of a long, winding speech to representatives from 47 countries, Trump said the United States would contribute $10 billion to the Peace Council.
He said contributing countries had collected $7 billion as an initial down payment for the reconstruction of Gaza. Contributing countries include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait, he said.
Trump proposed the board in September when he announced his plan to end Israel’s war in Gaza. He then clarified that the council’s mandate would extend beyond Gaza to address other conflicts around the world. Trump said FIFA would raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza and the United Nations would provide $2 billion for humanitarian aid.
Trump said Norway would host a Peace Council event, but Norway clarified it would not join the council.
The Peace Council includes Israeli but not Palestinian representatives. Trump’s suggestion that the council could eventually address challenges beyond Gaza has sparked concern that it could undermine the U.N.’s role as the main platform for global diplomacy and conflict resolution.
“We will strengthen the United Nations,” Trump said, trying to placate his critics, even though the United States is behind on its payments.
The meeting came as Trump threatens war with Iran and has embarked on a massive military buildup in the region in case Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear program. Trump said he should know in 10 days whether a deal is possible.
“We must reach a meaningful agreement,” he said. Trump said several countries plan to send thousands of troops to participate in an International Stabilization Force that will help keep the peace in Gaza when it is eventually deployed.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced that his country would contribute up to 8,000 troops to the force “to make this peace work.”
The force’s plan is to begin working in areas controlled by Israel in the absence of Hamas disarmament. The force, led by a U.S. general and an Indonesian deputy, will begin in the Israeli-controlled city of Rafah and train a new police force, with the eventual goal of preparing 12,000 police officers and having 20,000 troops.
