World leaders gathered this week for the first-ever "Board of Peace" meeting in Washington, pledging $17 billion total for Gaza's ceasefire enforcement and reconstruction. While U.S. President Donald Trump announced a record $10 billion American contribution, many Gaza residents told reporters: "We need water pipes, not promises." 💧🚧
From Conference Room to Rubble
Nine countries including regional players committed funds to rebuild hospitals and infrastructure destroyed during recent conflicts. But with unemployment in Gaza still at 38% and electricity shortages lasting 12+ hours daily, young locals like 24-year-old baker Ahmed Nasser remain unimpressed: "Every year there's a new committee. Where's last year's $5 billion?"
The Trust Deficit
Analysts note this marks the fourth major international reconstruction pledge since 2026 began. While drone footage shows engineers already mapping damaged areas, community leaders emphasize that "ceasefire monitoring needs boots on the ground, not just dollars in accounts" 👟🌐.
