US President Donald Trump called on Hamas to progress with the disarmament process outlined in his reconstruction plan for post-conflict Gaza. He revealed that his team, known as the “Board of Peace,” had committed $5 billion for the rebuilding efforts in the Palestinian territory.
In a message posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized the importance of Hamas fulfilling its promise to fully and immediately demilitarize. This call comes ahead of a scheduled meeting of the board in Washington on February 19.
Disarmament plays a critical role in the second phase of the ceasefire arrangement brokered by the US in October between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023. The United Nations officially endorsed the plan the following month.
As per the second phase, Israeli troops are to gradually withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas is expected to disarm, with an international security force being deployed to ensure stability. Despite Hamas’s firm stance against disarmament, the group has hinted at the possibility of surrendering its weapons to a future Palestinian governing body.
Both sides frequently accuse each other of breaching the ceasefire terms. Although the primary aim of the “Board of Peace” was initially focused on overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction, there appears to be no explicit limitation on its involvement restricted to the Palestinian region.
Trump expressed optimism about the potential of the Board of Peace, emphasizing its broad scope beyond Gaza. Following an introductory meeting at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, the board is set to convene in the US capital on Thursday.
Countries have been invited to contribute $1 billion for permanent membership on the board.
