President Donald Trump on Thursday pledged $10 billion in US funding for Gaza’s reconstruction and declared he would be the first to deliver lasting peace to the territory.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, Trump said he was committed to securing sustainable peace and a “bright future” for the people of Gaza.

He noted that more than $7 billion had already been provided for reconstruction, adding that the United States would contribute $10 billion in total.

Trump said FIFA would help raise $75 million for projects in Gaza, while other countries were also contributing to reconstruction and stabilisation efforts.

He described the Gaza Board of Peace as a vital forum with no alternative in terms of its goals and importance.

“Nothing is more important than peace in the world,” the US president said, adding that the board brings together key global players to advance durable stability.

During his address, Trump thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for visiting Washington, saying strong relations were built during times of conflict.

“I like Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif very much,” he said.

The US president also praised Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, describing him as a “great personality” and a “fighter,” and commending his professional capabilities.

Referring to Pakistan-India tensions, Trump said 11 Indian fighter jets were downed during the escalation. He said he conveyed a clear message to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that heavy tariffs would be imposed if the conflict did not stop.

Trump said he had offered both Pakistan and India expanded trade opportunities and confirmed that a positive trade deal had been finalised with Pakistan.

The US president further announced plans to visit China in April and described his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping as excellent.

He also referred to a recent agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, calling it an important step toward regional stability.

The meeting was attended by PM Shehbaz, the presidents of Indonesia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, US Vice President JD Vance, and the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Turkiye.

Before the session began, President Trump posed for a group photograph with participating leaders and held informal discussions with members of the Board of Peace.