Hamas Sets Terms as U.S.-Led Peace Council Opens Gaza Reconstruction Effort

Overview

• Following the Washington inaugural meeting, Hamas demanded a total halt to Israeli 'aggression', the lifting of the blockade, and guarantees of Palestinian national rights.
• President Trump announced $7 billion already raised for a reconstruction fund and pledged a $10 billion U.S. contribution to the Peace Council.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there is no plan B for Gaza, warning the alternative would be a return to war.
• An international stabilization force is being formed under U.S. Gen. Jasper Jeffers with Indonesia as deputy commander, with troops pledged by Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania.
• Egypt and Jordan offered to train an initial Gaza police force of nearly 2,000 officers, as UN, World Bank, and EU estimates put reconstruction costs as high as $70 billion.