Trump's Board of Peace Faces Skepticism in Gaza

Billions pledged for reconstruction, but Palestinians doubt promises will lead to real change

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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As President Donald Trump's Board of Peace (BoP) held its inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 2026, the focus remained on the stark realities facing Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Although pledges of billions of dollars were announced, residents expressed profound doubt that these promises would translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.

Why it matters

The BoP's efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza are viewed with deep skepticism by Palestinians, who have seen past international donor conferences yield little practical change. Concerns center around the board's ability to compel Israel to uphold a ceasefire agreement and the fear that the reconstruction efforts could be used to impose external agendas rather than address the genuine needs of the Palestinian people.

The details

President Trump announced that nine member nations pledged $7 billion to a reconstruction fund for Gaza, with five countries committing troops to an International Stabilisation Force. The U.S. itself pledged an additional $10 billion to the BoP. However, these figures fall significantly short of the United Nations' estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild the territory after more than two years of conflict. Many Palestinians recall past unfulfilled promises, and they are skeptical that the current pledges will lead to tangible improvements, citing ongoing Israeli restrictions on the entry of construction materials that have historically hindered reconstruction efforts.

  • The Board of Peace held its inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 2026.
  • A fragile ceasefire, brokered by Trump, remains in effect, though over 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire since its implementation.

The players

Board of Peace (BoP)

An initiative launched by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at resolving international conflicts, with an initial focus on Gaza.

Amal Joudeh

A Palestinian displaced from Beit Lahiya who expressed skepticism about the BoP's ability to deliver on its promises.

Awad al-Ghoul

A 70-year-old Palestinian displaced from Rafah who questioned the board's effectiveness and raised concerns about its ability to compel Israel to cease attacks and uphold the ceasefire agreement.

Jamal Abu Makhdeh

A Palestinian who stated that the BoP "won't do anything for Gaza" and that "it's all lies."

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What they’re saying

“I've heard about money being collected for Gaza, but we witness nothing. This has happened many times, but nothing ever changes.”

— Amal Joudeh, Displaced from Beit Lahiya (newsy-today.com)

“They won't do anything for Gaza. It's all lies.”

— Jamal Abu Makhdeh (newsy-today.com)

“Reconstruction has no value if Israel's hand continues destroying and killing. What's the point of rebuilding while Israel destroys?”

— Awad al-Ghoul, Displaced from Rafah (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.