US President Donald Trump declared that the war in Gaza was “over” during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, DC. However, on the same day, reports indicated that Palestinians were wounded by Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip, while raids and arrests continued across the occupied West Bank.

The initiative, announced with major financial pledges, plans for an international stabilization force, and large-scale housing projects, immediately sparked controversy due to the absence of Palestinian representation and ongoing military operations.

1. $17 Billion Reconstruction Package and a 20,000-Troop ISF Plan

Trump announced that the United States would allocate $10 billion for Gaza’s reconstruction, while other countries pledged an additional $7 billion along with troop contributions. This brings the initial funding pool to $17 billion.

A central pillar of the plan is the creation of a 20,000-strong International Stabilization Force (ISF). According to officials, ISF troops will first deploy to Rafah before expanding across five designated “sectors” throughout Gaza. The model is intended to ensure security and facilitate reconstruction efforts.

The housing initiative is equally ambitious: the board plans to build 100,000 homes in Rafah in the first phase, backed by $5 billion in infrastructure investment. In the long term, the total target is 400,000 housing units. However, timelines, governance mechanisms, and property rights issues remain unclear.

3. Ground Reality: Continued Violence in Gaza and the West Bank

Despite Trump’s declaration that the war is over, events on the ground tell a different story. At least two Palestinians were reportedly wounded by Israeli fire in Gaza. Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces and settlers conducted raids, shot at least one man, arrested Palestinians, and stormed homes.

These developments coincide with widely criticized efforts to formalize the annexation of large parts of Palestinian territory. As such, the Board of Peace’s security and reconstruction plans cannot be separated from the broader political and military realities on the ground.

3. Ground Reality: Continued Violence in Gaza and the West Bank

Despite Trump’s declaration that the war is over, events on the ground tell a different story. At least two Palestinians were reportedly wounded by Israeli fire in Gaza. Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces and settlers conducted raids, shot at least one man, arrested Palestinians, and stormed homes.

These developments coincide with widely criticized efforts to formalize the annexation of large parts of Palestinian territory. As such, the Board of Peace’s security and reconstruction plans cannot be separated from the broader political and military realities on the ground.

Conclusion

The Board of Peace has launched with substantial financial backing and ambitious security proposals. Yet questions about representation, democratic legitimacy, and ongoing violence cast doubt on its long-term viability.

Experts argue that lasting peace will require more than infrastructure funding and military arrangements. It must be rooted in political representation, international law, and Palestinian self-determination. Without these elements, the initiative risks evolving into a new framework of administrative and security control rather than a pathway to sustainable peace.