Overview
- The inaugural session convened on February 19 in Washington, with dozens of states attending and the European Commission present as an observer despite a formal French protest over its mandate.
- Saudi Arabia and the UAE were among contributors pledging more than $6.5–7 billion for Gaza, while Trump announced a $10 billion U.S. commitment, far short of reconstruction estimates of at least $70 billion.
- The plan envisions a stabilization force of up to 20,000 personnel, with Indonesia offering 8,000 troops and serving as deputy commander under U.S. General Jasper Jeffers, alongside pledged contingents from Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo and Albania.
- Hamas declared that any arrangement must begin with a total halt to Israeli military actions, the lifting of the blockade and guarantees of Palestinian rights.
- The council’s charter extends beyond Gaza and requires $1 billion for permanent seats, fueling concerns over legitimacy and UN compatibility as many traditional U.S. allies limited participation to lower-level envoys or observer status.