The United States has proposed the establishment of a multinational force in postwar Gaza, featuring troops from countries including Albania, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Morocco. This initiative comes as former President Donald Trump introduced his newly formed Board of Peace during a high-profile meeting in Washington, drawing significant international scrutiny.
The US initiative hinges on the complete disarmament of Hamas and necessitates cooperation from Israel, leading many to question the board’s ability to fulfill its ambitious goal of restoring peace and revitalizing Gaza into a “riviera.” Despite these challenges, the board outlined an extensive peacekeeping and reconstruction mission during its inaugural summit, where Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, proposed a peace prize in Trump’s name. In a notable moment, Gianni Infantino, head of FIFA, donned a red USA cap while announcing a partnership with the board, which reportedly values at $1 billion per seat.
In his opening remarks, Trump pledged a commitment of $10 billion to a fund aimed at reconstructing Gaza, framing it as a modest investment to fulfill the aspiration of establishing lasting harmony in a region long plagued by conflict. Contributions from various nations were also highlighted, with Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates collectively expected to contribute $7 billion. The United Nations is anticipated to provide $2 billion, while FIFA has committed $75 million.
“We’re going to straighten out Gaza, we’re going to make Gaza very successful and safe,” Trump declared as he concluded the meeting. He also suggested the potential for the board to address hotspots worldwide, emphasizing the power and influence of the assembled leaders.
The board’s plans include deploying a future international stabilization force (ISF) consisting of 20,000 soldiers in five sectors of Gaza, starting with Rafah. Major General Jasper Jeffers III, appointed to lead the ISF, noted ambitions to eventually deploy 12,000 police, with Egypt and Jordan agreeing to assist in officer training. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto expressed readiness to allocate up to 8,000 troops, potentially more if required.
Reports indicate the Trump administration is planning the construction of a military base in Gaza, accommodating 5,000 personnel across more than 350 acres. Nevertheless, aid workers have expressed concerns regarding the lack of direction from the board’s established organization, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which has encountered challenges in establishing an ISF office in the territory.
Amid these developments, the board’s long-term objectives hinge on the total disarmament of Hamas. Yakir Gabay, a billionaire from Cyprus and the head of the board’s reconstruction efforts, outlined plans to remove over 70 million tonnes of rubble and unexploded ordnance. He envisions transforming the Gaza coastline into a “new Mediterranean Riviera” featuring 200 hotels and potential islands.
Criticism has emerged regarding the board, which some view as a shadow of the UN. Key European allies, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have chosen not to participate, and the Vatican has also declined involvement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the meeting, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reiterating Israel’s security concerns and emphasizing that the plan includes critical elements such as the disarmament of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the de-radicalization of Palestinian society.
During his remarks, Trump reiterated his claim of resolving eight wars since entering office, while also endorsing Hungary’s Viktor Orbán in upcoming elections. He humorously referenced his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, suggesting the meeting venue should be named the Institute of Peace in his honor.
The board convened amid heightened US military presence in the Middle East, including the deployment of two aircraft carriers and numerous warplanes, potentially signaling preparations for a significant military engagement with Iran. Addressing the assembled leaders, Trump stated that the US had brought peace to the Middle East through its actions against Iran’s nuclear program, asserting, “Now we may have to take that a step further, or we may not.”
As discussions continue, Trump indicated that developments would unfold in the coming days, emphasizing the complexity of negotiations with Iran and the necessity for a meaningful agreement to prevent adverse outcomes.
