Striking claim in US press: Trump's '$1 billion' condition for Gaza Peace Council

The second phase of US President Donald Trump's Peace Plan for Gaza has begun.

As a new governance framework is being established for Gaza, official invitations have been sent to countries for the "Gaza Peace Council," which has been implemented within this scope. Bloomberg reported that the draft charter prepared for council membership contains striking details.

According to the claim, invited countries will be able to serve on the council for three years. At the end of this period, a $1 billion payment condition is envisioned for the continuation of membership.

According to Bloomberg, the draft text also states that each member country will have one vote and that members will be invited directly by Trump.

AT LEAST ONE MEETING PER YEAR

The draft charter also includes details regarding the council's working and decision-making procedures. Accordingly, the Peace Council will hold voting meetings at least once a year and "at times and places deemed appropriate by the President." The meeting agenda will be subject to the president's approval. The president will also retain the authority to appoint his own successor.

The council will also hold regular, non-voting meetings with the executive board. These meetings are planned to be held at least every three months. It will also be possible to remove certain individuals from office by a vote of the members.

SECOND PHASE OF THE CEASEFIRE

Following the ceasefire that went into effect in Gaza on October 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced on January 14, 2026, that the second phase of the 20-point plan had been initiated.

The six-point framework included in this phase focuses on the demilitarization of the region and the reconstruction process.

1- GAZA PEACE COUNCIL

There are three main bodies in the new structure:

"Peace Council," "Peace Council Executive Board," and "Gaza Governing Board."

The Gaza Peace Council is defined as a temporary structure aimed at creating a political and security foundation to complete Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and to implement disarmament arrangements.

In a White House statement, it was stated that Bulgarian politician and former UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov would be the council's representative in Gaza. It was also noted that Mladenov would chair the Gaza National Governing Committee, a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee that will undertake day-to-day post-war administration.

US President Donald Trump has also invited President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as a founding member to the Peace Council, which he will chair.

2- ISRAEL'S ADDITIONAL WITHDRAWAL PLAN

According to the plan, the Israeli military is expected to reduce its occupation by withdrawing from the southern and eastern parts of Gaza as well as large areas in the north. It is stated that Israeli forces currently control more than 50 percent of the Gaza Strip.

3- DISARMAMENT OF PALESTINIAN GROUPS

While Hamas has announced that it is ready to transfer its responsibilities, it maintains its stance on preserving its armed power. The group emphasizes that it is "open to any proposal that guarantees the establishment of a Palestinian state and protects this right."

4- GAZA NATIONAL GOVERNING COMMITTEE

The committee, which will consist of 15 Palestinian technocrats, is planned to carry out civil administration and basic services in the areas from which the Israeli military has withdrawn. The resolution adopted by the UN Security Council on November 18 envisions Gaza being governed by an interim Palestinian administration consisting of independent technocrats under the supervision of the Trump-led Peace Council.

5- RECONSTRUCTION OF GAZA

A comprehensive reconstruction process is aimed for Gaza, where approximately 90 percent of civil infrastructure has been damaged as a result of Israeli attacks. The UN estimates the cost of this process at approximately $70 billion.

Within the scope of reconstruction, the future of the Rafah Border Crossing remains uncertain.

6- INTERNATIONAL STABILIZATION FORCE

The US continues its efforts to establish an "International Stabilization Force" to ensure security in Gaza. It is claimed that Washington has reached an agreement with at least three countries—allegedly Italy, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Azerbaijan—for this structure. According to the UN Security Council resolution, this force is planned to serve until the end of 2027.