Peace Board Discusses Gaza's Future as Hamas Sets Preconditions
Hamas has affirmed that talks on Gaza’s future must begin with a complete halt to Israeli “aggression”, following the first meeting of the Board of Peace established by United States President Donald Trump.
“Any political process or any arrangement discussed regarding the Gaza Strip and the future of our Palestinian people must begin with the complete cessation of aggression, the lifting of the blockade, and the guarantee of the legitimate national rights of our people — first and foremost their right to freedom and self-determination,” Hamas said in a statement, as reported by AFP on Friday (20/2/2026).
The Board of Peace held its inaugural session in Washington on Thursday (19/2) local time, with several countries pledging funds and personnel to rebuild war-ravaged Gaza.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Hamas must disarm before Gaza’s reconstruction can begin.
“We agreed with our ally, the US, that there will be no reconstruction of Gaza before demilitarisation of Gaza,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader did not attend the Washington meeting but was represented by his foreign minister, Gideon Saar.
Trump said several countries, mostly in the Gulf, had pledged more than seven billion US dollars to rebuild the Palestinian territory.
Indonesia will deploy troops to Gaza and assume the role of deputy commander in the newly formed International Stabilisation Force (ISF).
Army Information Service Chief (Kadispenad) Brigadier General Donny Pramono stated that Indonesia is prepared to deploy up to 1,000 soldiers to Gaza by April, with the number potentially rising to 8,000 by the end of June this year.
Indonesia is the first country to openly declare its willingness to send troops. If realised, the figure would represent one of the largest contributions to a peacekeeping mission in the world. However, the troop deployment still awaits final approval from President Prabowo.
In addition to Indonesia, Trump said countries that have committed to providing troops include Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania.