ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has called on Hamas to proceed with full and immediate demilitarisation as part of his post-war plan for Gaza, emphasising that the militant group must honour its commitments under the ongoing ceasefire framework.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump highlighted the urgency of disarmament, stating “Very importantly, Hamas must uphold its commitment to Full and Immediate Demilitarisation.” This demand comes as the second phase of the US-brokered peace plan advances, following the October 2025 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The president made the statement ahead of the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace scheduled for February 19 in Washington. The board, chaired by Trump himself, is tasked with overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction, humanitarian efforts, and security arrangements under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803.
Trump announced that member states of the Board of Peace have pledged more than $5 billion toward Gaza’s humanitarian aid and reconstruction. This funding aims to address the extensive damage in the enclave, where over 80 percent of buildings have reportedly been affected by prolonged conflict.
He further revealed that participating countries have committed thousands of personnel to the International Stabilisation Force and local police units. The force is designed to maintain security, protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid delivery, and support the demilitarisation process in Gaza.
The International Stabilisation Force, authorised by the UN, will operate under the Board of Peace’s direction. A US two-star general has been appointed to lead it, though Washington has clarified that American troops will not deploy directly in Gaza.
Pledges for the stabilisation force include contributions from various nations, with some reports indicating significant commitments from Gulf states and others. The board has evolved into a broader mechanism for global conflict resolution, though its primary focus remains Gaza’s post-war transition.
Regarding Pakistan’s potential involvement, no confirmation has emerged that the country is among those committing thousands of troops to the International Stabilisation Force. The Pakistan Foreign Office has maintained that no final decision on sending troops to Gaza has been taken, reflecting ongoing internal deliberations and diplomatic caution.
Earlier statements from Pakistani officials indicate willingness to consider participation in peacekeeping under a UN framework and Muslim-majority alliance, but with clear conditions. Pakistan has ruled out any role in disarming Hamas, stressing that such tasks fall outside its mandate.
Public sentiment in Pakistan shows substantial support for contributing to a Gaza stabilisation mission, with surveys indicating around 73 percent favouring deployment if aligned with UN approval and regional consensus. However, concerns persist about operational risks and political implications.
Trump described the Board of Peace as potentially “the most consequential international body in history,” underscoring his ambition to expand its role beyond Gaza. The February 19 meeting at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace is expected to formalise pledges and outline next steps.
The push for Hamas disarmament remains contentious. Hamas has agreed to elements of the ceasefire but resisted full demilitarisation, with leaders rejecting demands to relinquish weapons or exit governance roles in Gaza.
The ceasefire’s second phase includes gradual Israeli withdrawal, increased aid access, and Hamas’s disarmament, though implementation has faced delays and violations. Trump’s renewed emphasis seeks to accelerate progress amid fragile calm.
International observers note that successful reconstruction hinges on sustained security and demilitarisation. The $5 billion pledge represents an initial commitment, with potential for growth as more nations join.
The Board of Peace includes diverse members, with pledges reportedly led by the United States and United Arab Emirates exceeding $1 billion each in some accounts. Other contributors remain unspecified in public announcements.
As the Washington meeting approaches, attention focuses on whether additional commitments will materialise and how Hamas responds to the disarmament call. The initiative tests multilateral cooperation in resolving one of the region’s most protracted conflicts.
Pakistan’s position underscores broader challenges in mobilising forces for Gaza. While supportive of Palestinian reconstruction, Islamabad prioritises national interests and principled stances on the Palestinian cause.
The coming days will clarify the board’s operational framework and troop contributions, potentially shaping Gaza’s path toward stability and recovery.