DayofPal—In devastated Gaza, residents are asking whether Trump’s Board of Peace will bring genuine security and reconstruction, or prove to be yet another promise that goes unfulfilled.
As US President Donald Trump convened the first meeting of his newly formed “Board of Peace” in Washington, DC, many Palestinians in Gaza were watching with cautious skepticism rather than optimism.
Across central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, where hundreds of thousands remain displaced after more than two years of war, residents say daily survival, not diplomatic announcements, dominates their concerns.
In Deir Al-Balah, Amal Jouda, 43, has been living in a tent since fleeing her home in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. Her house was destroyed, and several members of her family were injured during the genocide.
“I’ve heard about funds being collected for Gaza before,” she said. “But we don’t see real change. We are still in tents. We still need reconstruction and safety.”
At the Washington meeting, Trump announced that nine countries had pledged $7bn toward a reconstruction fund for Gaza. He also said five nations had agreed to contribute troops to so-called International Stabilization Force intended to support security in the territory.
The United States, he added, would contribute an additional $10bn, though no detailed breakdown of how the funds would be allocated was provided.
However, the pledged amount remains significantly lower than United Nations estimates, which suggest up to $70bn may be required to rebuild Gaza’s infrastructure following extensive destruction.
Despite a ceasefire brokered in October, conditions in Gaza remain dire. Access to food, healthcare, education and sanitation services is limited, and many neighbourhoods remain in ruins.
Awad Al-Ghoul, 70, displaced from Rafah and now living in Al-Zawayda, questioned whether the new initiative would produce tangible results.
“If such a large international body cannot stop violations here, how will it solve wars elsewhere?” he asked.
Health authorities in Gaza report that hundreds of Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect, while restrictions on materials needed for reconstruction have slowed rebuilding efforts.
Skepticism about international pledges is widespread among residents who recall previous donor conferences that yielded limited change on the ground. Some fear that a portion of the funds may be consumed by administrative costs rather than direct reconstruction.
Jamal Abu Makhdeh, 66, also from Deir Al-Balah, expressed doubt that the board would prioritize Palestinian interests. He pointed to ongoing Israeli attacks in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank as reasons for caution.
Reconstruction was notably absent from detailed discussion during the board’s first meeting. For many in Gaza, rebuilding homes, schools and hospitals remains the most urgent priority, provided the ceasefire holds.
Al-Ghoul said reconstruction would have little meaning without sustained security. “What is the point of rebuilding if destruction continues?” he asked.
Others, like Jouda, say their hopes are modest. She wants schools reopened, stable housing for her children and the chance to return to a normal life.
Far from diplomatic halls in Washington, Gaza’s residents summarize their demands in simple terms: safety, stability and the opportunity to return home.
“My wish is to go back to Rafah, even if it is just a tent,” Al-Ghoul said. “What matters is that we can return and live in peace.”
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