Washington, D.C. — February 20, 2026
A major new Gaza plan is taking shape. Trump announced $17 billion in combined pledges and a multinational force proposal aimed at rebuilding and stabilizing the territory — but key challenges remain.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced major international funding commitments for Gaza reconstruction during the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace on Thursday at the headquarters of the U.S. Institute of Peace.
The session marked a key step in advancing Phase Two of the administration’s broader Gaza ceasefire framework, which aims to stabilize the territory, oversee reconstruction, and pursue the disarmament of Hamas following prolonged conflict.
Billions Pledged for Gaza Recovery
Officials said nine participating nations — including Kazakhstan, Morocco, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates — committed more than $7 billion to a reconstruction and humanitarian aid fund.
Trump announced the United States would contribute an additional $10 billion, describing it as a major step toward long-term stabilization. Details on funding sources or congressional authorization were not disclosed.
Combined pledges total roughly $17 billion, though experts note that rebuilding Gaza could require more than $70 billion, based on international estimates.
International Stabilization Force Planned
Five countries — including Indonesia, Kosovo, and Albania — agreed to deploy personnel for a proposed international stabilization force. The mission would initially focus on areas such as Rafah, supporting security, policing, and reconstruction operations.
Officials indicated Egypt and Jordan were also involved in related security discussions.
Strategic Vision of the Board of Peace
Trump described Gaza as transitioning away from instability and said the Board of Peace would help ensure lasting security and economic recovery. The initiative — first introduced in late 2025 and formalized earlier this year in Davos — is designed as a U.S.-led platform to coordinate conflict resolution and reconstruction efforts worldwide.
Representatives from more than 40 countries attended the meeting. However, some Western allies declined participation, citing concerns that the framework could sideline the United Nations or lack inclusive governance structures.
Challenges and Unresolved Questions
Despite the pledges, analysts say several obstacles remain:
No detailed timeline for disarmament of militant groups
Unclear governance structure for Gaza’s future administration
Fragile ceasefire conditions amid broader regional tensions involving Iran and Israel
Funding still far below estimated rebuilding needs
Some policy experts have also questioned whether the president can commit U.S. funds without congressional approval.
Mixed Global Reaction
Supporters describe the initiative as a pragmatic approach to conflict stabilization after years of stalled diplomatic efforts. Critics argue it risks becoming a pay-to-participate system and lacks sufficient representation from Palestinian leadership.
