Overview
- US envoy Steve Witkoff said $17 billion was raised for Gaza at the inaugural meeting, while earlier briefings cited about $7 billion and Trump separately claimed a $10 billion US contribution, all far short of UN estimates of roughly $70 billion needed.
- Israeli cabinet minister Ze’ev Elkin said Israel will not pay into Gaza reconstruction through the Board of Peace, with local reports saying Israel was allowed to join without contributing.
- Trump said the Board of Peace could expand beyond Gaza and “look over” the United Nations, prompting a UN spokesman to stress that the organization is overseen by Member States through the General Assembly and Security Council.
- The plan centers on an International Stabilisation Force of up to 20,000 troops led by a US general with an Indonesian deputy, with Indonesia pledging 8,000 personnel and initial police training reported in Rafah.
- Membership includes Israel and a range of Middle Eastern and non-Western states, but excludes Palestinian representatives and many key Western allies, drawing criticism over governance, legitimacy, and the board’s proposed design.