WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump announced at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting on February 19 that the U.S. was pledging US$10 billion to the board, but without any clarity on how the money would be used or where it would come from.

Pledging such a large amount requires congressional authorization.

Trump also announced that nine members have agreed to pledge $7 billion toward a Gaza relief package, and five others will deploy troops as part of an international stabilization force for the war-battered Palestinian territory.

Trump praised the promises made by different countries. But he still faces a major problem: getting Hamas to give up its weapons. This issue could undermine or even scuttle the Gaza ceasefire deal, which his administration has called a major foreign policy success.

The money promised, though important, is only a small part of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild Gaza after two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Trump thanked allies for their promises of money and troops, but he did not say when these plans would actually begin.

"Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of a new and peaceful region," Trump said. He added, "The Board of Peace is showing how a better future can be built right here in this room."

The Board of Peace was created as part of Trump's 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. Since the October ceasefire, however, his idea for the board has grown bigger. He now wants it not only to help bring lasting peace between Israel and Hamas, but also to help solve conflicts around the world.

Still, the Gaza ceasefire remains weak and uncertain. Trump's larger plans for the board have raised concerns that he may be trying to create something that competes with the United Nations.

Responding to criticism, Trump said his board would actually make the United Nations stronger in the future.

"Someday I won't be here. The United Nations will be," Trump said. "I think it is going to be much stronger, and the Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly."

Warning to Iran

While calling the meeting a success that could bring long-term peace to the Middle East, Trump also warned Iran.

Tensions between the United States and Iran are high. Trump has ordered one of the largest U.S. military buildups in the region in decades. One aircraft carrier group is already there, and another is on its way. He warned Iran that the U.S. could take military action if Iran does not give up its nuclear program, stop developing ballistic missiles, and stop supporting extremist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Several countries — Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania — promised to send troops for a Gaza stabilization force. Egypt and Jordan said they would help train police.

The troops will first go to Rafah, a city that has been badly destroyed and is mostly empty. It is under full Israeli control. The U.S. government plans to start rebuilding efforts there.

Countries that promised money for rebuilding include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait, Trump said.

Nearly 50 countries, including the European Union states, sent representatives to the meeting. Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, India, and the United Kingdom were among more than a dozen countries that attended as observers but did not join the board. China and Russia have so far refused to join and have not sent their representatives.

Most countries sent senior officials. A few leaders, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Hungarian President Viktor Orbán, traveled to Washington in person.

"Almost everybody's accepted, and the ones that haven't, will be," Trump offered. "And some are playing a little cute — it doesn't work. You can't play cute with me."