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Trump Announces $7 Billion Gaza Relief Pledge at Inaugural Board of Peace Meeting

Updated (23 articles)
  • The UN estimates the cost of damage in Gaza at $70bn
    The UN estimates the cost of damage in Gaza at $70bn
    Image: BBC
    The UN estimates the cost of damage in Gaza at $70bn (Reuters) Source Full size

Multinational Funding Totals Over $7 Billion for Gaza President Donald Trump told the Board of Peace that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait together have contributed more than $7 bn (£5.2 bn) toward a Gaza relief package [1]. The United Nations added a $2 bn humanitarian pledge, while FIFA committed $75 m for soccer‑related projects, addressing the UN’s $70 bn damage estimate [1]. Trump framed the combined contributions as an “investment in stability” for the war‑torn enclave [1].

Western Nations Refuse Board of Peace Membership The United Kingdom, Canada, France and Germany declined to join the newly created Board, citing concerns that it could bypass the United Nations in resolving the Israel‑Hamas conflict [1]. Their refusal underscores lingering skepticism among traditional allies about the board’s legitimacy and governance structure [1]. No alternative Western coalition has been proposed to replace their participation [1].

Ceasefire Plan Links Reconstruction to Hamas Disarmament The US‑brokered ceasefire’s second phase calls for Hamas to disarm before any reconstruction begins, a condition echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [1]. Netanyahu confirmed Israel will delay rebuilding Gaza until demilitarisation is verified, tying humanitarian aid to security outcomes [1]. Trump suggested Hamas “looks like” it may comply, though on‑the‑ground reports indicate continued Hamas control [1].

New Transitional Palestinian Police Force Attracts 2,000 Applicants Board high representative for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, announced the launch of a transitional Palestinian police recruitment drive, receiving 2,000 applications within hours [1]. The force will be vetted to exclude members of Hamas‑controlled police and the West Bank Authority, aiming to create a neutral security apparatus [1]. Training and oversight mechanisms are still being defined by the board [1].

Board of Peace Launched Last Month, Trump Leads Inaugural Session The Board of Peace was established in January 2026 and held its first meeting on 19 February, chaired by Trump [1]. During the session, Trump outlined the funding commitments, ceasefire roadmap, and police recruitment, positioning the board as a central hub for post‑war reconstruction [1]. Critics warned the board could marginalise the UN, but supporters argue it offers a faster, donor‑driven response [1].

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Timeline

Oct 7, 2023 – Hamas launches a surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 Israelis and igniting the Gaza war that underpins all subsequent peace‑process efforts [16].

Oct 10, 2023 – A U.S.–brokered ceasefire takes effect, halting major combat and beginning the first‑phase exchange of hostages and prisoners that forms the foundation of the Trump‑mediated plan [16].

Oct 13, 2025 – President Trump tells the Knesset the ceasefire “ends the eighth war,” citing hostage releases while analysts warn the conflict remains unresolved [16].

Dec 6, 2025 – Qatar’s prime minister describes the ceasefire as a “pause,” urging a full Israeli withdrawal and regional stability before any final settlement, and notes the first phase is winding down [20].

Dec 7, 2025 – Hamas senior official Bassem Naim says the group is “very open‑minded” about freezing or storing its weapons, signalling possible flexibility for disarmament [7][18][19].

Dec 7, 2025 – Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu states the second phase could start by month‑end if Hamas hands over the remains of Ran Gvili, linking the timeline directly to the hostage issue [19][22].

Dec 8, 2025 – Netanyahu announces a Dec 29 meeting with President Trump to secure the second stage of the ceasefire, while expressing doubt that an international force will agree to disarm Hamas [4].

Dec 9, 2025 – Hamas political‑wing member Husam Badran demands full implementation of all first‑phase terms, including stopping home demolitions, before any move to phase two [17][21].

Dec 12, 2025 – Trump declares the first phase “nearly complete” after all but one deceased hostage is returned and calls the forthcoming “Board of Peace” “legendary” [6].

Dec 24, 2025 – Israel’s prime‑ministerial office accuses Hamas of a ceasefire breach after an explosion wounds an IDF soldier, reiterating that Hamas must disarm under the Trump plan [9].

Dec 30, 2025 – Trump tells Netanyahu in Florida that phase two will arrive “very quickly” once Hamas disarms and warns the United States could strike Iran if it resumes missile or nuclear programs [3].

Jan 6, 2026 – Netanyahu says Israel and the Trump administration will keep the Gaza‑side of Rafah closed until Hamas returns Ran Gvili’s remains, making the crossing a key leverage point [8].

Jan 14, 2026 – U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff launches phase two, establishing the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) and tying full demilitarisation to the return of hostage remains [2][5][15][23].

Jan 15, 2026 – The White House announces entry into phase two, unveiling a transitional Palestinian technocratic committee led by Ali Shaath and estimating a three‑year reconstruction effort [13][14][15].

Jan 17, 2026 – Trump’s administration releases the Board of Peace roster, adding former UK prime minister Blair and U.S. officials Rubio, Witkoff and Kushner to the executive committee overseeing the ceasefire [12].

Jan 24, 2026 – U.S. envoys meet Netanyahu in Cairo, urging Israel to move to phase two; Ali Shaath says the Rafah crossing will reopen within a week [11].

Jan 25, 2026 – Israel conducts a large‑scale search for Ran Gvili’s body near the Yellow Line and pledges the cabinet will open Rafah once the operation concludes [10].

Feb 19, 2026 – At the Board of Peace’s inaugural meeting, Trump announces more than $7 bn pledged by nine Muslim‑majority nations for Gaza relief, alongside a UN $2 bn pledge and FIFA’s $75 m for soccer projects [1].

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