First Meeting Unveiled: Fundraising to Rebuild Gaza; Trump Welcomes China and Russia to Join Peace Committee

 On the 19th, U.S. President Trump said in Washington that many countries are interested in joining the Peace Committee, and he welcomes China and Russia to participate.

The Peace Committee was conceived by the Trump administration last year, with the aim of overseeing the post-war reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

The Peace Committee held its first leaders’ meeting in Washington that day. 27 countries joined this U.S.-led international organization, and nearly 50 countries sent officials to attend the roughly three-hour-long meeting. Other participating countries and the EU took part as observers. However, France expressed “surprise” at the European Commission’s ultimate decision to send a representative, stating that no such mandate had been granted.

After the meeting, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One: “Many countries are on the way to joining (the Peace Committee).” He added, “It (the Peace Committee) will definitely succeed.”

When asked whether he wished Russia or China to join the organization, Trump said, “I very much hope China and Russia will join,” and noted that both countries had been invited.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed on January 20 that China had received the invitation from the U.S. to join the Peace Committee, but did not specify whether Beijing would accept.

At the meeting, Trump described the day as a “momentous occasion,” claiming this was an “unprecedented, powerful, and prestigious committee.” He also teased some countries that had declined to join, saying they were “acting coy” with him, and insisted “that trick won’t work.”

The meeting focused on Gaza’s reconstruction and security arrangements. Trump announced that the United States would contribute $10 billion (about 39 billion Malaysian ringgit) to the committee, and member states had already raised an additional $7 billion (about 27.3 billion Malaysian ringgit) to serve as initial reconstruction funds. The United Nations pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid. Furthermore, FIFA will raise $75 million, with details to be announced later.

In terms of security deployment, Trump announced that five countries—Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, and Kazakhstan—had agreed to send troops to Gaza and join the international stabilization force. Indonesian President Prabowo also affirmed that at least 8,000 Indonesian soldiers would participate.

Trump reiterated that Hamas must disarm or face “very severe retaliation.” He said that the Gaza conflict had drawn to a close, though sporadic fighting continues, and expressed hope that force would not be needed to implement arrangements.

Observers generally believe that the effectiveness of the 'Peace Committee' remains to be seen, and whether it can exert a substantial influence amid the complex situation in the Middle East is still uncertain.