The Trump administration is preparing to hold the inaugural meeting of its ‘Board of Peace’ on February 19 in Washington, D.C., with the dual aims of fundraising for Gaza reconstruction and addressing the group’s ambiguous global mandate. This development comes amidst persistent uncertainty over the board’s role and effectiveness in resolving international conflicts.
Invitations for the February 19 gathering were sent out last Friday, and the event is scheduled to take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace, recently renamed after President Donald Trump. According to U.S. officials and diplomats from invited countries, the meeting will serve as a key fundraising conference for the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. However, specific details regarding the agenda and participation levels remain under discussion, with the White House yet to provide formal comment.
The Board of Peace was initially conceived as a limited body focused on overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction as part of Trump’s broader peace plan for the region. Announced in late September 2025, the board was chaired by Trump himself and intended to manage post-conflict efforts in the Strip. Yet, recent charter drafts reveal an expanded scope, aiming to tackle conflicts worldwide without explicit mention of Gaza, raising questions about its primary objectives and alignment with traditional diplomatic forums.
This expansion has led to skepticism among U.S. allies, particularly in Europe, many of whom have declined to join the board. Critics argue that the group could undermine established international institutions like the United Nations, with some likening it to a colonial administrative authority. The lack of clarity on its mandate and the absence of key allies have cast doubts on its potential effectiveness, as reported by multiple news outlets including CNN and Al Jazeera.
Approximately two dozen countries have signed on as members, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Hungary, and several nations from Central and Southeast Asia. Notably, Israel has not formally signed the charter despite accepting Trump’s invitation, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attendance at the meeting is uncertain. His scheduled meeting with Trump on February 18 adds complexity, as it could mark his first interaction with Arab and Muslim leaders since the war began in October 2023.
The meeting aligns with Phase 2 of the U.S. peace plan for Gaza, which emphasizes reconstruction and investment. Last month, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner presented a vision for Gaza’s redevelopment, featuring skyscrapers and international investment, but stressed that demilitarizing Hamas is a prerequisite. However, concrete plans for enforcing this demilitarization remain elusive, highlighting ongoing challenges in implementing the ceasefire agreement and securing long-term stability.
Critics, including voices from outlets like Al Jazeera, accuse the Trump administration of prioritizing economic prospects over Palestinian rights and accountability for war crimes. The inclusion of figures like Netanyahu and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has further fueled controversy, drawing parallels to past contentious international interventions and raising ethical concerns about the board’s composition and goals.
Moving forward, the success of the Board of Peace hinges on securing broad international support and clarifying its operational framework. The upcoming meeting will be a critical test of its viability, with outcomes likely to influence not only Gaza’s future but also the landscape of global conflict resolution. As details emerge, the world watches to see if this initiative can transcend skepticism and deliver tangible peace efforts, setting a precedent for how nations address complex humanitarian crises.
