Trump Touts Board of Peace To End Gaza Conflict
More than two dozen nations gathered for US President Donald Trump’s first Board of Peace summit. But many were not present, including Palestinian representatives and several of Washington's key western allies. The new international body is meant to focus on Gaza, but those living in Gaza are cautious whether the initiative can achieve lasting peace.
REPORTER:
Israel, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and more than two dozen nations gathered for US President Donald Trump’s first Board of Peace summit. But many were not present — including Palestine representatives and several of Washington's key western allies.
The newly created international body is meant to focus on Gaza, but its charter is broad. With some suggesting that Trump aims to replace the UN.
Donald Trump (US PRESIDENT):
The Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly. But we’re going to strengthen up the United Nations. We’re going to make sure its facilities are good. They need help. They need help, money wise. We’re going to help them, money wise.
REPORTER:
Trump says their Gaza reconstruction fund already has US$7 billion US dollars and some nations plan to commit troops to an International Stabilization Force.
Marco Rubio (US SECRETARY OF STATE):
There is no Plan B for Gaza.
Plan B is going back to war.
No one here wants that.
Plan A - the only path forward is one that rebuilds Gaza in a way of enduring and sustainable peace.
REPORTER:
But this objective is far from becoming a reality. Hamas has rejected calls to disarm, which Israel says is a precondition for pulling its troops out of the territory. Gaza residents are cautious whether the board can bring about any lasting peace.
Omar Al-Masri (DISPLACED PERSON):
No, of course I’m not optimistic, because all of this feels pointless.
It’s just media talk, and nothing will actually happen.
There won’t be any reconstruction. This is clearly part of a plan by the occupiers, with the Americans involved. Why? To push us out of our land and our country.
REPORTER:
Talks did not just focus on Gaza. Trump also used the meeting to pressure Iran. The US has been boosting its military presence in the Middle East recently. Trump has ratcheted up his threats, saying the US military could strike Iran, if a nuclear deal is not reached in the next 10 days.
Trump has already extended his vision for the board, reaching beyond Gaza to resolving global conflicts, generating concerns about its long-term intentions.
Peace in Gaza will be a key test for the Board and its effectiveness in the future.
Scott Huang and Lily LaMattina for TaiwanPlus.
