WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump said at the Peace Council’s first meeting on February 19 that US$7 billion (S$8.8 billion) has been committed to the Gaza Reconstruction Fund, which aims to rebuild the enclave after Hamas is disarmed, but that goal is far from reality.
The disarmament of Hamas militants and the subsequent withdrawal of Israeli troops, the size of reconstruction funds and the flow of humanitarian aid to war-torn Gaza residents are among the key issues likely to test the council’s effectiveness in the coming weeks and months.
In a flurry of announcements at the end of a long and winding speech, Trump said the United States would contribute $10 billion to the peace commission. He said contributing countries had raised US$7 billion as an initial down payment for rebuilding Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump (center), Vice President J.D. Vance (left) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio pose for a family photo with world leaders and other attendees at the first Peace Commission meeting on February 19.
Photo: AFP
Trump first proposed the council last September, when he announced plans to end Israel’s war in Gaza. He later said he would expand the council’s authority beyond Gaza to tackle other conflicts around the world.
Trump also said FIFA would raise $75 million for soccer-related projects in Gaza and the United Nations would provide $2 billion for humanitarian aid.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (front) attends the inaugural session of the Peace Council on February 19 with Argentine President Javier Millei (left) and other leaders.
Photo: AFP
The Peace Council includes Israel but not a Palestinian representative, and Trump’s suggestion that the council could eventually address issues beyond Gaza has fueled fears that it could undermine the United Nations’ role as a key foundation for global diplomacy and conflict resolution.
“We’re going to strengthen the United Nations,” Trump said, trying to appease his critics. “That’s really, really important.”
The peace committee’s phased reconstruction plan for Rafah, Khan Yunis and Gaza City in Gaza will be on display to board members at its first meeting on February 19.
Photo: Reuters
The meeting comes as Trump threatens war against Iran and embarks on a major military buildup in the region in case Tehran refuses to abandon its nuclear program.
Trump said he should know within 10 days whether a deal is possible. “We have to reach a meaningful agreement,” he said.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks at the inaugural meeting of the Peace Commission hosted by US President Donald Trump.
Photo: AFP
The event had the feel of a Trump rally, with music from Trump’s eclectic playlist, ranging from Elvis Presley to the Beach Boys. Participants received red Trump hats.
Trump also announced that several countries plan to send thousands of troops to eventually join the International Stabilization Force to help keep peace in the Gaza Strip, U.S. officials said.
Fearing Israeli retaliation, Hamas has been reluctant to hand over weapons as part of Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, which brought the two-year war to a fragile cease-fire in October 2025.
Leaders attend the inaugural meeting of the Peace Commission hosted by President Donald Trump on February 19th in the United States.
Photo: AFP
Mr. Trump said he hoped the use of force would not be necessary to disarm Hamas. He said Hamas has promised to disarm and “actually appears to be intending to do so, but we need to find out.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in Israel that Hamas would be disarmed in some way. “Soon, Hamas will be faced with the dilemma of whether to disarm peacefully or by force,” he said.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest outside the US Institute of Peace, where the first Peace Council meeting was being held on February 19.
Photo: AFP
In Gaza, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasem said any international force must “monitor the ceasefire and prevent the[Israeli]occupation from continuing its aggression.” He said it was possible to discuss disarmament without directly committing to it.
Hamas, which has resumed control of the devastated enclave, has said it is willing to hand it over to the U.S.-backed Palestinian Engineers Committee led by Ali Shas, but Israel has not allowed the group to enter Gaza. Israel has not yet commented on these claims. Reuters