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3. Trump Announces $10 Billion Gaza Pledge as Board of Peace Holds Inaugural Meeting

President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would pledge $10 billion to the Board of Peace initiative aimed at supporting reconstruction and development in Gaza.

Trump commented that “that number is a very small number when you look at that compared to the cost of war” 

He also stated that other countries have allocated $7 billion and personnel to the effort, much of it coming from various Arab and Muslim countries. 

The U.S.-led Board of Peace addressing Gaza led its inaugural meeting on Thursday in Washington, DC, convening officials from over 20 countries to discuss a path forward for Gaza. The board meeting seeks to raise support and align positions on Gaza reconstruction in the pursuit of a new phase of the ceasefire.

Israel commented on Thursday that no reconstruction of Gaza should occur without a complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. 

Trump announced in his speech that recruitment for a new police force in Gaza began this week. U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers announced a plan to build an international force of 12,000 police officers and 20,000 troops to facilitate transition in the Gaza Strip.

However, Israel remains concerned about the future of Hamas in the territory–still maintaining some level of influence–urging the seizure of all arms possessed by members of the group.

Concerns also mount over whether the Board of Peace will sidestep international institutions. Trump stated that the board will “almost be looking over the United Nations” but also stated that the U.S. will remain committed to the UN and that the international body remains of importance to the country.