'Board of Peace' debut sparks fears for Gaza’s future

The inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace," an initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump, took place on February 19, 2026, at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. This meeting is part of a broader 20-point ceasefire plan for Gaza that was ratified in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026. Trump is set to serve as the board's chairman for life. The meeting included around 20 countries, with heads of state in attendance, and aimed to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. During the meeting, Trump announced that members of the Board of Peace pledged $5 billion for the reconstruction of Gaza. This financial commitment is part of a coordinated international response to the challenges facing the region, which has experienced significant destruction. Additionally, the board's members are expected to deploy thousands of personnel for international stabilization and policing missions in Gaza. Trump emphasized the significance of the Board of Peace, claiming it would become "the most consequential International Body in History." Critics have expressed skepticism regarding the initiative, with some U.S. allies questioning its motives. The meeting has drawn mixed reactions online, with frustration evident across social media platforms. Despite the pledges and commitments made during the meeting, there are concerns about the effectiveness and intentions behind the Board of Peace's initiatives. Further details regarding the roles of board members and the specifics of the reconstruction plan are anticipated to be clarified in subsequent discussions.