Gulf nations pledge over $4 billion to Trump's Gaza peace board
2026-02-19 - 22:02
Gulf nations announced over $4 billion in combined financial commitments to President Donald Trump's newly launched Board of Peace on Thursday, signaling strong regional backing for the initiative aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advancing Gaza's reconstruction. The pledges came during the board's inaugural meeting in Washington, which brought together representatives from more than 45 countries to discuss implementation of a 20-point peace plan. Gulf Financial Commitments Qatar and Saudi Arabia each pledged $1 billion to support the board's objectives. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani affirmed Doha's commitment to achieving "a just and lasting resolution" and ensuring the plan's full implementation "without delay." Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir referenced the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, expressing Riyadh's dedication to alleviating Palestinian suffering under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Kuwait announced a $1 billion pledge over coming years, with Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah emphasizing his country's longstanding support for the Palestinian cause. The United Arab Emirates, which has already provided nearly $3 billion in Gaza assistance since October 2023, committed an additional $1.2 billion through the board. Trump announced that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and others collectively pledged more than $7 billion, with the United States contributing $10 billion and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs raising an additional $2 billion. Security and Infrastructure Contributions Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced his country has contributed to board operations and offered "necessary infrastructure and skills to establish an effective government digital services platform for Gaza." Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced a series of practical commitments including deploying police officers, training Gaza security personnel, assigning a high-ranking military officer to the joint International Stabilization Force command, establishing a military field hospital, and leading "a deradicalization program to fight hate speech and promote tolerance and coexistence." Fragile Ceasefire Context The substantial financial and operational commitments come against the backdrop of a fragile US-backed ceasefire in place since October 10, which halted Israel's two-year onslaught that has killed over 72,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Despite the truce, Gaza's Health Ministry reports Israeli forces have committed hundreds of violations through shelling and gunfire, killing 611 Palestinians and injuring 1,630 since the agreement took effect. The board's ambitious reconstruction and stabilization agenda faces the dual challenge of addressing immediate humanitarian needs while building foundations for lasting peace amid continued violence and deep-seated political divisions.