Washington D.C. – President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his “Board of Peace” on Thursday, February 19, 2026, an initiative initially focused on overseeing post-conflict Gaza but now broadened to address global conflicts. The launch was met with skepticism from key allies and questions surrounding the veracity of Trump’s claims regarding his role in ending various wars.
During the meeting, attended by leaders and delegations from numerous countries, Trump asserted that countries have already pledged over $5 billion towards rebuilding Gaza, a territory devastated by recent conflict and currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis. However, the project faces significant hurdles, including the absence of participation from crucial U.S. Allies like the UK, Germany and France, who have expressed concerns about potential Russian involvement, according to reports from Sky News.
Expanding Ambitions, Limited Support
The Board of Peace’s mandate has expanded beyond its original focus on Gaza, now encompassing a wider range of global conflicts. Despite this broadened scope, the initiative has drawn criticism for potentially undermining the authority of established international organizations like the United Nations, which Trump has repeatedly criticized. The Vatican, under Pope Leo, has as well announced it will not participate, further highlighting the lack of universal support for the Board.
Trump’s claims of having “ended eight wars” were also brought into question during the meeting. He listed conflicts including Israel-Hamas, Israel-Iran, Egypt-Ethiopia, India-Pakistan, Serbia-Kosovo, Rwanda-Congo, Armenia-Azerbaijan, and Cambodia-Thailand. However, analysts suggest that his accounting is misleading, despite acknowledging some positive efforts, as detailed in Sky News. Notably absent from his list was the ongoing war in Ukraine, a conflict Trump previously claimed he could resolve “in one day,” a statement he later described as a joke.
Gaza Reconstruction Plans and Financial Commitments
The meeting comes after Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and envoy, unveiled ambitious plans for Gaza’s reconstruction at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. These plans envision a modernized Gaza with skyscrapers and new housing estates. Trump himself described Gaza as a “beautiful piece of property” with significant potential, according to The Associated Press.
During Thursday’s meeting, Trump announced a U.S. Contribution of $10 billion to the Board of Peace, stating it was a tiny amount “compared to the cost of war.” He also reported that other members of the Board had collectively pledged approximately $7 billion, with several countries committing to provide troops and police to help stabilize Gaza, as reported by NBC News.
Expectations Remain Low
Despite the financial pledges and ambitious plans, expectations for the Board of Peace’s success remain limited, particularly in the Middle East. The 100-day peace and recovery plan announced by Kushner in Davos has reportedly stalled. The absence of key international players and the questionable nature of Trump’s claims raise doubts about the Board’s ability to achieve its stated goals.
The Board of Peace meeting concluded after approximately three hours of discussions, with President Trump signing a memorandum of understanding, NBC News reported. The next steps for the Board, and whether it can overcome the significant challenges it faces, remain to be seen.
As the Board of Peace moves forward, its ability to garner broader international support and address the complex issues in Gaza and beyond will be crucial. The coming weeks will likely reveal whether this initiative can translate its ambitious vision into tangible results or if it will remain a largely symbolic effort.
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