‘Board of Peace’: Reality vs Rhetoric

US President Donald Trump announced that members of the newly formed "Board of Peace" have pledged $5 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza. This initiative aims to deploy thousands of personnel for international stabilization and policing missions in the region. Trump stated that the pledges would be formally confirmed during the board's first meeting scheduled for February 19, 2026, in Washington, DC. He expressed his belief that the Board of Peace would become "the most consequential International Body in History" and emphasized his role as its Chairman. The first meeting of the Board of Peace is expected to include around 20 countries, with heads of state attending. This meeting will take place at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, where Trump plans to announce details regarding the multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza and the establishment of a United Nations-mandated stabilization force. The Board of Peace was unveiled by Trump at the Davos Economic Forum in Switzerland last month and includes nearly all major Middle Eastern countries as members, including Qatar. Skepticism has been expressed by some U.S. allies regarding the initiative. The meeting on February 19 will bring together world leaders who accepted Trump's invitation to join the board, alongside members of an executive committee focused on Gaza.