UAE joins US in billion-dollar pledge to Trump-led Gaza body: New York Times

• The New York Times reports that the UAE and the United States have each pledged over $1 billion to President Trump’s Board of Peace for Gaza.

The The New York Times reported that the United Arab Emirates and the United States have each committed more than $1 billion to President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace,” an international initiative aimed at shaping Gaza’s postwar future.

Citing two officials briefed on the board’s fundraising efforts, the newspaper said both pledges were made privately and have not yet been publicly announced. An official announcement could come during the group’s inaugural meeting scheduled for Feb. 19 in Washington.

Early Financial Backing

According to the report, the combined pledges represent only a fraction of the estimated funds required to rebuild Gaza, but they mark an important first step for the board as it seeks to establish credibility and attract broader international participation.

The Emirates, which has been among the largest providers of humanitarian aid to Gaza since the war began, appears to be positioning itself as a leading financial backer of the initiative. Under the board’s founding charter, countries that contribute more than $1 billion within its first year are eligible for permanent membership.

No country has yet publicly confirmed a financial commitment to the Board of Peace.

Humanitarian Aid and Stabilization Force

Officials told the Times that a significant portion of the initial pledges would be directed toward humanitarian assistance and the potential deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the initial funds would focus on humanitarian relief and efforts to stabilize the territory. The board is continuing to press other countries for additional contributions.

Kuwait is reportedly in discussions about a possible pledge, though a Kuwaiti Embassy official in Washington said no final decision has been made.

Reconstruction Challenges

The funding comes amid daunting reconstruction needs. A joint assessment published in February 2025 by the World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations estimated that more than $50 billion would be required for Gaza’s total recovery and reconstruction.

A separate United Nations assessment in October found that more than 80 percent of Gaza’s structures had been damaged or destroyed during two years of genocide.

In parallel, the UAE has been laying the groundwork for temporary housing in Rafah, southern Gaza, which could accommodate around 20,000 people, according to individuals familiar with the plans. Preparations reportedly include clearing land of rubble and unexploded ordnance.

However, uncertainty remains over whether 'Israel' will permit large-scale rebuilding before Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza begin a process of demilitarization. Hamas has not publicly committed to disarming.

International Reactions and Skepticism

The Board of Peace, established under a 20-point plan unveiled by Trump in September, is intended to set the framework and manage funding for Gaza’s redevelopment. More than 20 countries have joined the initiative, with Trump serving as its chairman.

Yet the group’s mandate has divided U.S. allies. Some analysts have suggested that the board could function as a rival structure to the United Nations. Several European countries have expressed reservations, particularly because the charter extends beyond Gaza to other global conflicts. Poland and Italy have said they will not join at this time.

There are also concerns about whether pledges will ultimately materialize. After the 2014 Gaza war, several countries committed reconstruction funds at a donor conference, but Palestinian officials later said some promises were not fulfilled.

Dennis Ross, a former U.S. envoy to the Middle East, told the Times that the pledges indicate “a level of credibility and seriousness” for the board, adding that it can only succeed “if it has resources.”