Next week, all eyes will be on Washington, D.C., as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to announce a comprehensive initiative aimed at reshaping the landscape in the Gaza Strip, through an ambitious multi-billion dollar reconstruction plan, coinciding with the deployment of an international stabilization force with a UN mandate.

Details of the upcoming meeting in Washington

Two senior US officials have stated that President Trump will unveil details of this plan during the inaugural meeting of the "Peace Council," scheduled for February 19. This major diplomatic event is expected to draw high-level delegations from more than 20 countries, reflecting the international momentum the US administration is attempting to build on this complex issue.

This move culminates previous efforts, as Trump signed the council's founding documents at the Davos Forum and secured approval from the UN Security Council to support his plan. Key regional states have announced their participation in the council, most notably Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, in addition to major Islamic powers like Indonesia. Meanwhile, Western powers remain cautious and watchful regarding the details of the initiative.

A huge financial fund and a stabilizing force

The plan centers on establishing a massive financial fund dedicated to rebuilding the sector's devastated infrastructure, with a US official describing the expected contributions from member states as "generous." Alongside the economic component, Trump will unveil security arrangements that include the willingness of several countries to send thousands of troops to participate in a "stabilization force" planned for deployment in Gaza in the coming months to ensure security and facilitate reconstruction efforts.

Dealing with Hamas and the security situation

Regarding the complex internal situation, Trump's plan includes sensitive political and security provisions, such as granting amnesty to Hamas members who agree to disarmament and accept the principle of peaceful coexistence. The plan also stipulates securing safe passage for those wishing to leave the Gaza Strip. The meeting will also address reports from the "National Committee for the Administration of Gaza," discuss mechanisms for distributing urgent humanitarian aid, and restructure the police force to maintain internal security.

Context of the crisis and scale of destruction

This initiative comes at a time when the Gaza Strip is suffering unprecedented devastation affecting all aspects of life. Ongoing military operations have led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water and electricity networks. Reconstruction remains the greatest challenge facing the international community, given the enormous costs and the logistical and security complexities that have thus far prevented the effective commencement of field operations.

Regional and international dimensions of the plan

The involvement of influential regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey in the "Peace Council" carries significant political implications, indicating the desire of these countries to play a direct role in shaping the future of the sector to ensure regional stability and prevent a resurgence of conflict. Their participation is a crucial guarantee for the success of any international effort, given their political weight and their extensive relationships with various parties. Conversely, the success of this plan represents a true test of the current US administration's ability to impose its vision for peace in the Middle East through unconventional economic and security mechanisms.

US President Donald Trump asserted today (Thursday), in remarks to the press reflecting escalating diplomatic tensions, that Iran will face "very painful" consequences if it fails to reach a new and comprehensive agreement on its nuclear program. The US president expressed hope that the current pressure and ongoing negotiations will yield a tangible positive outcome within the next month, noting that time is running out for all parties to reach a settlement.

Speaking about potential scenarios, Trump stated clearly: "It would be very painful... I don't want that to happen, but we have to reach an agreement, and not reaching an agreement would be very painful for Iran." These statements underscore the US administration's determination to change Tehran's behavior, not only regarding the nuclear issue but also its regional influence and missile program, with Washington consistently brandishing the threat of maximum economic sanctions as a tool of pressure.

It is worth noting that these warnings came after a meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, during which the two discussed shared security challenges in the Middle East. Following the meeting, Trump stated that he hoped the Iranian leadership would be "more rational and responsible" this time, emphasizing the need to continue negotiations with Tehran, despite the lack of any final results or significant breakthroughs thus far.

It is worth noting that these statements come within the context of the "maximum pressure" strategy adopted by the US administration after its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement (the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). This strategy aims to force Iran back to the negotiating table under new, stricter conditions that would ensure it permanently does not acquire nuclear weapons. Observers believe that Trump's use of the term "very painful" clearly refers to tightening the economic noose, isolating Tehran from the global financial system, and preventing its oil exports, which could lead to severe internal economic crises.

Regionally and internationally, these statements raise concerns about a potential military escalation should the political process remain deadlocked, as Israel and the United States consider preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities a top national security priority. Meanwhile, European countries and other international actors are closely watching the outcome of these pressures, hoping that diplomatic dialogue will prevail to avert a devastating war or a nuclear arms race that could alter the balance of power in the Middle East.