'Gaza will be rebuilt': Trump expresses optimism over Israel-Hamas ceasefire; will set up a 'board of peace'

Trump says that he is optimistic about the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and that he will set up a "Board of Peace" in Gaza. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced strong optimism about the newly announced Israel-Hamas ceasefire, declaring that Gaza will be rebuilt and that a new era of stability could be on the horizon. Trump announced plans to establish a "Board of Peace" with the intention of facilitating reconstruction and long-term reconciliation in the war-torn region in a statement that drew both attention and controversy. After weeks of escalating violence that left thousands of people dead and much of Gaza in ruins, the announcement was made. The conflict has been temporarily put on hold as a result of the ceasefire, which was mediated through extensive diplomatic negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. For Trump, this truce represents not only a humanitarian milestone but also a potential pathway to restoring his reputation as a dealmaker in global affairs.

Speaking at a press event at Mar-a-Lago, Trump emphasized his belief that the world was ready for a “new peace framework.” He argued that both Israelis and Palestinians were "yearned for stability, prosperity, and dignity," and that the region had endured enough cycles of violence. Trump stated that the members of his proposed "Board of Peace" would come from a variety of countries and sectors and combine their diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian skills to assist in the economic and infrastructure reconstruction of Gaza. Trump asserted that the board would function as an independent international initiative that would be coordinated with regional governments and supported by private investment. He hinted that several American and Middle Eastern business leaders had already expressed interest in participating, framing it as a model for “peace through prosperity.” The themes of Trump's earlier "Abraham Accords" strategy, which emphasized economic incentives and normalization between Israel and Arab states, were echoed in his remarks. Even though the ceasefire has provided civilians with some brief relief, there is still a lot of skepticism. Many analysts warn that such truces have historically been fragile and fleeting in the region. However, Trump's re-engagement in the situation introduces a new element of unpredictability. His announcement is viewed by some as an attempt to reaffirm American influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy ahead of the U.S. elections in 2026. Others question the viability of Trump's strategy, which places business and infrastructure development ahead of political reconciliation. There have been a variety of international reactions to Trump's proposal. Under the condition that Hamas does not regain its military might, officials in Israel have welcomed the concept of reconstruction efforts. Palestinian representatives, however, have expressed doubt about Trump’s sincerity, pointing to his administration’s controversial decisions during his presidency—such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and cutting aid to Palestinian institutions. These actions, according to critics, damaged the United States' credibility as a neutral broker. Humanitarian organizations, on the other hand, have expressed cautious optimism. In Gaza, where access to clean water, electricity, and housing remains critically low, the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have long advocated for comprehensive rebuilding programs. If Trump's plan comes to fruition, it might add to international efforts already underway. A spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs noted that “any initiative that focuses on reconstruction and civilian welfare should be encouraged, as long as it respects humanitarian principles and does not politicize aid.”

Experts in the field of economics predict that tens of billions of dollars will be needed to rebuild Gaza to its full capacity. Much of the city’s infrastructure has been destroyed in the repeated conflicts, including roads, hospitals, schools, and housing. Trump said that his team was looking into ways to get money through private sector and government partnerships. Additionally, he talked about plans for a transparent and effective "Middle East Reconstruction Fund." Despite Trump’s optimism, major hurdles remain. Any plan for long-term peace is complicated by the political differences between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority as well as Israel's concerns about security. Moreover, the deep mistrust between the parties continues to fuel tensions even during ceasefire periods. Yet, Trump appeared undeterred, declaring, “This is the moment to build, not destroy. Gaza can rise again—not as a battlefield, but as a beacon of peace and innovation.”

Some people, who are sick and tired of constant war, have resonated with his words. The willingness of major powers around the world and in the region to seriously engage will determine whether Trump's "Board of Peace" becomes a tangible diplomatic platform or remains a symbolic gesture. For now, the ceasefire holds, and discussions about Gaza’s future have once again moved to the center of international attention.

As the region takes cautious steps toward calm, the world watches closely. Trump’s ambitious vision of reconstruction and reconciliation could either mark a turning point for Gaza or join a long list of unfulfilled promises in the Middle East. In the midst of the region's ongoing complexity, the next few months will reveal whether his optimism is sustained or if it has diminished.