Trump's Board of Peace announces $5 billion for Gaza reconstruction
Trump announces $5B Gaza pledge while UN estimates $70B needed for reconstruction
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On Feb. 15, 2026, President Trump posted on Truth Social that Board of Peace member states have pledged more than $5 billion toward Gaza humanitarian and reconstruction efforts
The pledge will be formally announced at the board's inaugural meeting on Feb. 19, 2026, at the Donald J
Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C Trump wrote that member states have committed 'thousands of personnel to the International Stabilization Force and Local Police to maintain Security and Peace for Gazans.'
The United Nations, World Bank, and European Union estimate that reconstructing Gaza will cost $70 billion. The $5 billion pledge represents only 7% of the estimated need.
Trump hasn't disclosed which member countries pledged the money or how much each country committed. Permanent Board of Peace membership requires a $1 billion donation, but it's unknown if any country has paid this fee.
Indonesia's military announced on Feb. 15, 2026, that up to 8,000 troops are expected to be ready by the end of June for potential deployment to Gaza as part of a humanitarian and peace mission. This is the only firm troop commitment Trump has received. The ceasefire deal calls for an armed international stabilization force to keep security and ensure Hamas disarms, but few other countries have expressed interest in contributing personnel.
Twenty-six countries have joined the Board of Peace. Muslim-majority members include the UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Qatar, Turkey, and Indonesia.
Other members include Argentina, Hungary, Belarus, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Kosovo, Mongolia, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. Russia was invited but hasn't confirmed. Israel accepted membership, with Netanyahu joining despite the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Major European allies declined Trump's invitation. France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, and Poland all refused to join.
The UK Foreign Secretary called it a 'legal treaty that raises much broader issues.'
Slovenia's Prime Minister said the board 'dangerously encroaches on the broader international order.' European officials cited concerns about Trump's 'extensive powers' as chairman, Russian participation, and Israel's role in overseeing reconstruction of territory it destroyed. Canada was invited but Trump withdrew the invitation after Prime Minister Mark Carney opposed Trump's tariff proposals.
Trump serves as the board's chairman with apparent veto power. The Executive Board includes 
Steve Witkoff (Trump's Middle East envoy), Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law), and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
A Gaza Executive Board includes representatives from Turkey, Qatar, the UAE, and the United States.
UN Security Council Resolution 2803 authorized the board's deployment of peacekeepers, but critics say the board doesn't resemble what the UN envisioned. Congress played no role in authorizing this international body.
The board will meet at the U.S. Institute of Peace building in Washington. The Trump administration seized this facility in 2025, fired almost all the institute's staff, and renamed it the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace. Former employees and executives filed litigation challenging the seizure.
The board's 11-page charter doesn't mention Gaza once, suggesting Trump intends to use it for other global crises. Trump said the board 'can do pretty much whatever we want to do' and that it 'might' replace the United Nations.
Jared Kushner presented reconstruction plans at the World Economic Forum in January 2026 showing maps that divide Gaza into 'residential' and 'coastal tourism mixed' zones. The plans include 100,000 new housing units and high-rise coastal towers Kushner calls 'New Gaza.'
Kushner said 'In the Middle East, they build cities like this – two, three million people – in three years, so stuff like this is very doable if we make it happen.'
He emphasized using 'free market principles' to shift Gaza away from foreign aid dependence. Critics note Kushner's private equity firm has investments in Middle Eastern real estate development.
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People, bills, and sources
Donald Trump
President of the United States, Board of Peace Chairman
Jared Kushner
Board of Peace Executive Board Member, Trump's Son-in-Law
Steve Witkoff
U.S. Middle East Envoy, Board of Peace Executive Board Member
Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
Tony Blair
Former British Prime Minister, Board of Peace Executive Board Member
What you can do
1
civic action
Contact your representative about congressional oversight of the Board of Peace
Trump created the Board of Peace without congressional authorization. Congress has constitutional authority over international agreements and foreign commitments. Ask your representative whether Congress will exercise oversight over this body, demand transparency about the $5 billion in pledges, and require disclosure of reconstruction contracts. The board has a $1 billion membership fee structure and Kushner has Middle Eastern real estate investments.
Hello, my name is [NAME] from [CITY]. I'm calling about the Board of Peace. President Trump created this international body without congressional authorization. Jared Kushner sits on the Executive Board while showing plans for commercial development in Gaza. Congress needs to demand transparency. Who's actually paying the $5 billion? Who gets the reconstruction contracts? What's the $1 billion membership fee about? Will Rep. [NAME] demand congressional oversight hearings? Please call me back at [PHONE]. Thank you.
2
humanitarian aid
Support Palestinian humanitarian organizations
While governments negotiate reconstruction plans, Palestinians in Gaza need immediate humanitarian support. Organizations like Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and UNRWA provide direct assistance. Donations fund medical care, food, clean water, and emergency shelter. These groups operated throughout the conflict and have established networks inside Gaza.
Research which humanitarian organizations have direct access to Gaza and transparent financial reporting. Check Charity Navigator or GuideStar ratings. Verify that organizations provide direct services rather than just advocacy. Consider monthly recurring donations rather than one-time gifts to provide stable funding. Ask organizations how they're preparing for reconstruction phase and whether they'll monitor contract transparency.
3
transparency
Track reconstruction contract awards for transparency
Once reconstruction begins, monitor which companies win contracts and whether they have connections to Board of Peace members. The board operates with Trump as chairman and Kushner on the Executive Board. No congressional oversight exists. Follow investigative journalism from outlets covering Middle East reconstruction. Document contracts through public records requests if U.S. companies or USAID funding is involved.
Contact POGO to ask if they're tracking Board of Peace contracts. Request they use Freedom of Information Act requests for: (1) All U.S. government contracts related to Gaza reconstruction, (2) Communications between Board of Peace members and U.S. contractors, (3) Disclosure forms for Kushner's participation given his private equity investments. Share findings with congressional oversight committees and press.