Trump Declares Gaza War Over, Launches Board of Peace to Spearhead Reconstruction
United States President Donald Trump has declared the war in Gaza officially over, unveiling a new initiative—the Board of Peace—as a framework for reconstruction and long-term stability in the conflict-ravaged territory.
Speaking on Thursday in Washington, Trump described the announcement not as a temporary ceasefire or lull, but as the beginning of a “new chapter” for Gaza.
“This is about making the peace stick,” Trump said, positioning the Board of Peace as the mechanism to transform battlefield cessation into enduring stability.
While the declaration carries symbolic and political significance, experts caution that without a formal disarmament agreement with Hamas and clear guarantees against renewed hostilities, the “end of war” may be more aspirational than operational.
Previous ceasefires in Gaza have often been fragile and short-lived, raising questions about enforceability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the reconstruction plan, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described it as a historic initiative aimed at addressing the “root causes” of the conflict, including the disarmament of militant groups and the demilitarisation of Gaza.
Trump paired the declaration with a sweeping reconstruction pledge, committing $10 billion in U.S. funding, alongside claims of over $7 billion in contributions from regional partners.
The World Bank, represented by Ajay Banga, will act as a limited trustee to manage donor funds. Meanwhile, Marc Rowan outlined plans to construct 100,000 homes and invest billions in Gaza’s infrastructure.
An International Stabilisation Force (ISF) is also proposed, drawing troops from countries including Indonesia, Morocco, and Kosovo, tasked with securing Gaza during the transition from conflict to reconstruction.
Despite the ambitious economic and security measures, the broader political question of Palestinian statehood remains unresolved. A Palestinian technocratic committee will manage daily governance, but Palestinian political leadership is not represented on the Board of Peace.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, was the only senior leader to explicitly reference Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the board as a new model for conflict resolution, arguing that traditional international institutions had failed to end the crisis.
Analysts warn that Trump’s declaration does not automatically eliminate underlying tensions. Without firm enforcement mechanisms, ceasefire violations or stalled disarmament negotiations could undermine the claim that the war is over.
However, if the security situation stabilises and reconstruction progresses, the announcement could mark a pivotal turning point in one of the Middle East’s most destructive conflicts, setting the stage for long-term recovery and regional stability.
