Washington, Feb 19 (NationPress) President Donald Trump unveiled the “Board of Peace” on Thursday, a new assembly of global leaders convened at the U.S. Institute of Peace. He announced a substantial $10 billion contribution from the U.S. aimed at fostering postwar stabilization and relief initiatives in Gaza.

“What we’re doing is a very simple piece. It’s called the Board of Peace, and it’s all about an easy word to say, but a hard word to produce — peace, but we’re going to produce it,” Trump stated during the inaugural session alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and board member Jared Kushner.

Trump noted that leaders from numerous countries were participating in the meeting remotely. “And the ones that aren’t here are watching on Zoom,” he added. He depicted the board as “the most prestigious board ever put together” and emphasized its mission “to ensure a brighter future for the people of Gaza, the Middle East, and the entire world.”

The inaugural meeting saw representatives from over 40 countries, including several heads of state such as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. India was represented by Namgya Khampa, the Deputy Indian Ambassador to the U.S.

Trump proclaimed, “The war in Gaza is over. It’s over,” while cautioning that “the world is now waiting on Hamas.” He expressed hope that Hamas would relinquish its weapons. “Hamas has been — I think they’re going to give up their weapons, which is what they promised. If they don’t, it will be — you know, they’ll be harshly met, very harshly met,” he warned.

He confirmed that the ceasefire initiated in October had been maintained and asserted that all remaining hostages had been returned home. “The ceasefire was held and every last remaining hostage, both living and dead, has been returned home,” Trump remarked, noting that “the last one was brought home a week ago.”

Trump revealed contributions from various countries, describing these totals as an initial step for the new endeavor. “I’m pleased to announce that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait have all contributed more than $7 billion toward the relief package,” he stated.

Additionally, he mentioned that the U.N. Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance is raising $2 billion for Gaza support, while FIFA would contribute $75 million for projects in the region.

The largest pledge, according to Trump, would come from the United States. “The United States is going to make a contribution of $10 billion to the Board of Peace,” he remarked, calling it “a very small number when you look at that compared to the cost of war.”

He also indicated that some nations are sending personnel to help maintain the ceasefire. “Albania, Kosovo, Kazakhstan have all committed troops and police to stabilize Gaza,” he stated, while mentioning that “Egypt and Jordan are likewise providing very, very substantial help, troops, training and support, for a very trustworthy Palestinian police force.”

Trump credited his team — including Rubio, Witkoff, and Kushner — for the diplomacy that he claimed had resolved multiple conflicts.

He also addressed the situation between India and Pakistan, recalling, “Planes were being shot down,” and how he urged both countries to de-escalate. “I said, listen, I’m not doing trade deals with you two guys if you don’t settle this up,” he noted. “But I said if you fight, I’m going to put 200 percent tariffs on each of your countries,” stressing their status as “two nuclear nations.”

The latest chapter of the Gaza conflict was ignited following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and led to over 200 hostages being taken. Israel’s subsequent military response has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials, creating a humanitarian crisis.