Trump leads first meeting while Hamas tightens grip in Gaza

Washington: US President Donald Trump said the United States wants a bright future for the people of Gaza, adding that the United Nations is very important and will work to its full capacity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan is attending the first meeting of the Gaza Peace Board, chaired by President Trump in Washington. Permanent members of the UN Security Council, including China, Russia and the United Kingdom, are not present at the meeting.

Before the session began at the US Institute of Peace, President Trump posed for a group photograph with world leaders.

Addressing the meeting, Mr Trump said countries were contributing towards the reconstruction and stabilisation of Gaza. He stated that more than $7 billion had already been pledged for Gaza’s reconstruction, while the United States would provide $10 billion. He added that FIFA would help raise $75 million for projects in Gaza.

“We want to see a Gaza that is properly governed,” he said, adding that there should be no assumption that troops would need to be deployed for war. He also expressed the view that Hamas appeared ready to lay down its arms and said Gaza would no longer remain a hub of extremism and terrorism.

President Trump further said he would shortly speak with UN Secretary-General António Guterres to ensure the organisation remains effective. He reiterated that the United Nations is vital and would perform its role to the fullest extent. He added that the UN’s Gaza relief office was raising $2 billion, and that China and Russia would also be involved in the effort.