Trump's Board of Peace Meets Thursday for Gaza Reconstruction Talks

Over two dozen nations are meeting for the first time with Trump's Board of Peace to talk about rebuilding Gaza. Some countries are watching from the side.
By Newsroom | Politics, International Relations |

Donald Trump convened the first gathering of his "Board of Peace" on Thursday, bringing together representatives from over two dozen nations. The meeting's stated purpose is to focus on reconstruction efforts and the formation of an international stabilization force for Gaza. However, the initiative has drawn cautious responses from some US allies, who express concerns that the new body might parallel or undermine existing international organizations like the United Nations.

The establishment of the Board of Peace follows an earlier proposal by Trump, outlined at the World Economic Forum. This inaugural meeting is set to receive updates on efforts to build a functioning government and service system within the Gaza Strip, where a fragile ceasefire remains in place.

Key Participants and Absent Nations

The gathering includes figures such as President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner. International attendees also feature former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the executive board's high representative Nickolay Mladenov, and Waltz.

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Trump gathers members of Board of Peace for first meeting, with some U.S. allies wary - 1

While several countries have joined the Board of Peace, a number of others have chosen not to participate but are expected to attend as observers. Among these are Germany, Italy, Norway, and Switzerland. Some major Middle Eastern regional powers have joined the board, alongside countries like Kosovo and Albania. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has confirmed his attendance.

Focus on Gaza Reconstruction and Stabilization

The primary agenda item for the first meeting is the reconstruction of Gaza. This includes fundraising efforts for rebuilding the war-torn territory. Additionally, discussions are expected to cover the establishment of an international stabilization force to operate in the region. The Gaza Executive Board is slated to provide updates on its work toward creating a functional government and delivering services.

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Underlying Tensions and Allied Apprehensions

Despite the official focus on humanitarian and stabilization goals, the Board of Peace has elicited apprehension among some international partners. Concerns have been voiced that Trump's initiative could be perceived as an attempt to create a competing structure to the United Nations. The fragility of the existing Gaza ceasefire deal further complicates the context of the board's first meeting.

  • Uncertainty over Board's Mandate: The precise scope and authority of the Board of Peace remain subjects of discussion and potential concern for some nations.

  • Comparison to UN: The potential for the board to duplicate or rival the functions of the United Nations is a key point of apprehension.

  • Fragile Ceasefire: The ongoing precariousness of the ceasefire in Gaza adds a layer of complexity to the stabilization efforts discussed.

Context of the Board's Formation

President Trump unveiled his vision for the Board of Peace during the World Economic Forum in Davos. The initiative emerged following efforts to address the conflict in Gaza, with a focus on rebuilding and stabilization. A meeting between Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump was scheduled for February 18th, the day before the board's first meeting, reportedly to discuss Iran, though this timing has also been noted. The first meeting itself is scheduled to be held at the Institute of Peace.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Trump's Board of Peace and when did it have its first meeting?
Donald Trump's new 'Board of Peace' held its first meeting on Thursday. The group aims to help rebuild Gaza and create a force to keep the peace there.
Q: Which countries are part of the Board of Peace?
Representatives from over two dozen countries attended the first meeting. Some countries like Germany and Italy are not full members but may watch as observers.
Q: What is the main goal of the Board of Peace meeting?
The main goals are to raise money to rebuild Gaza and to talk about setting up an international group to help keep peace in the area. They also want to help build a working government in Gaza.
Q: Why are some US allies worried about this new board?
Some allies worry that Trump's Board of Peace might do the same work as the United Nations or create a new group that could cause confusion. They are unsure about the board's exact powers.
Q: When and where was the idea for the Board of Peace first shared?
President Trump first talked about his idea for the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The first meeting was held at the Institute of Peace.