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Trump Announces $7B Gaza Relief, Troop Pledges at ‘Board of Peace’ Meeting

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief February 19, 2026

written by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting that nine nations have committed to pledge $7 billion towards a relief package for Gaza. Five countries have agreed to send troops as part of an international stabilization force aimed at supporting the war-torn Palestinian territory.

Despite the positive news surrounding these pledges, Trump is confronted with the ongoing challenge of disarming Hamas. This issue remains a critical hurdle that could potentially delay or disrupt the ceasefire plan his administration has touted as a significant achievement in foreign policy. The pledged funds, whereas substantial, represent only a small portion of the estimated $70 billion required to rebuild Gaza, which has been devastated by two years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“Every dollar spent is an investment in stability and the hope of a new and harmonious region,” Trump expressed whereas thanking the donor countries. He emphasized that the Board of Peace demonstrates how a better future can be constructed collaboratively.

U.S. Commitment and Board of Peace Goals

In addition to the international pledges, Trump announced that the United States would contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace, although details regarding the allocation of these funds remain unclear. This significant pledge requires Congressional approval and comes as part of Trump’s broader 20-point peace initiative intended to resolve long-standing conflicts in Gaza.

Since the ceasefire in October, Trump’s vision for the Board has expanded, aiming not only for peace between Israel and Hamas but too addressing global conflicts. However, this ambitious plan has raised concerns among critics who fear that it might be an attempt to create a rival organization to the United Nations.

In response to these concerns, Trump defended the Board, stating that it could enhance the future viability of the U.N. “Someday I won’t be here. The United Nations will be,” he said, indicating that the Board would play a supportive role in ensuring the U.N. Operates effectively.

Military Buildup and Tensions with Iran

As discussions around Gaza unfold, Trump has also issued stern warnings to Iran, emphasizing the heightened tensions between the two nations. He has initiated one of the largest military buildups in the region in decades, with one aircraft carrier group already deployed and another on its way. Trump cautioned Tehran that failure to comply with demands regarding denuclearization and the cessation of support for extremist groups could result in military action. “We have to make a meaningful deal. Otherwise, bad things happen,” he stated.

International Contributions and Challenges Ahead

The countries that pledged troops include Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania, while Egypt and Jordan will assist in training police forces. The initial deployment of troops is planned for Rafah, a city heavily damaged and largely depopulated, which is under full Israeli control. This area is where U.S. Officials hope to focus first on reconstruction efforts.

Countries contributing to the reconstruction efforts include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait. Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, leading the newly formed International Stabilization Force, indicated plans for deploying 12,000 police and 20,000 soldiers to ensure security in Gaza. “With these first steps, we help bring the security that Gaza needs for a future of prosperity and enduring peace,” Jeffers noted.

While nearly 50 countries and the European Union sent representatives to the meeting, skepticism remains among some U.S. Allies. Countries such as Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom participated as observers, having yet to officially join the Board. Trump remarked, “Almost everybody’s accepted, and the ones that haven’t, will be. And some are playing a little cute — it doesn’t work. You can’t play cute with me.”

The U.N. Security Council held a high-level meeting on the ceasefire deal just before the Board’s gathering, indicating the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the issue. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized that the U.N. Should manage crisis situations at the international level.

Following the meeting, various officials praised Trump for his role in resolving conflicts. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to him as the “savior of South Asia,” while Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan acknowledged the efforts made regarding Gaza. However, Fidan also warned of the fragile humanitarian situation, stressing that a coordinated response is essential to prevent further ceasefire violations.

Disarming Hamas: A Major Hurdle

Central to the Board’s discussions was the necessity of establishing an armed international force to maintain security and ensure the disarmament of Hamas, a crucial demand from Israel and a key component of the ceasefire agreement. However, there are significant concerns regarding Hamas’s willingness to comply with disarmament expectations. U.S. Officials have expressed cautious optimism regarding the prospects for demilitarization but acknowledge the challenges ahead.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that “there will be no reconstruction” of Gaza prior to disarmament. His foreign minister, Gideon Saar, emphasized the need for a fundamental deradicalization process. Trump conveyed that Hamas would face severe consequences if it failed to disarm, although he provided limited details on how this would be enforced.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that much work remains in Gaza, stating that the contributions of every nation represented at the meeting would be crucial moving forward.

As the international community watches closely, the next steps regarding Gaza’s reconstruction and stabilization will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the region’s future. The complexity of disarming Hamas and ensuring lasting peace will require ongoing commitment and collaboration among the nations involved.

We invite readers to share their thoughts on the international efforts to stabilize Gaza and the implications of the Board of Peace’s initiatives.

February 19, 2026 0 comments

world

Iran Urged to Reach Deal as Trump Hints at Military Strike

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor February 19, 2026

written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Washington D.C. – The White House has signaled that a diplomatic resolution with Iran remains the preferred outcome, even as President Donald Trump has once again raised the specter of military action against Tehran amid escalating tensions. The renewed threat comes as indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, between the two nations continue, following Trump’s repeated warnings of a military response to Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protesters last month. Previous attempts at negotiation were derailed in June of last year when Israel launched a series of attacks on Iranian soil, triggering a 12-day conflict between the two adversaries, with the United States subsequently bombing nuclear sites within Iran.

The situation is fraught with risk, as the United States and Iran navigate a complex web of geopolitical interests and historical animosity. The potential for miscalculation and escalation remains high, particularly given the recent history of conflict and the ongoing proxy battles throughout the Middle East. The current diplomatic efforts represent a critical attempt to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider conflict, but the path forward remains uncertain.

“Iran would be very wise to reach a deal with President Trump and his administration,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday, February 18th, according to reports. This statement followed Trump’s renewed indications that the U.S. Might attack Iran, coinciding with a significant U.S. Military buildup in the Middle East. On his Truth Social platform, Trump initially cautioned the United Kingdom against relinquishing sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, then suggested that Diego Garcia airbase, located within the islands, would be necessary if Iran does not reach an agreement with the U.S. “If Iran decides not to make a deal, then the United States may have to use Diego Garcia, from the airfield located in Fairford, to obliterate any potential attacks by a very unstable and dangerous regime,” Trump stated.

Reports from major U.S. News outlets, including CNN and CBS News, indicated on Wednesday, February 18th, that the U.S. Military was prepared to launch strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, though Trump had not yet made a final decision. The Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed U.S. Official, reported that Trump had been briefed on military options designed “to maximize damage.” According to the official, these options included strikes aimed at “killing a number of Iranian political and military leaders, with the goal of overthrowing the government.”

Iran Rejects Demands, Maintains Desire for Peace

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed on Wednesday, February 18th, that his country does not seek war, but also indicated a refusal to yield to Washington’s demands. “We do not want war,” he stated. “Since the day I took office, I have believed that war should be set aside. But if they try to impose their will on us, humiliate us, and demand that we bow our heads in every way, should we accept it?” Pezeshkian’s comments underscore Iran’s firm stance against external pressure and its determination to protect its sovereignty.

The Oman-mediated negotiations are intended to avert potential U.S. Military action, with Tehran demanding the lifting of sanctions that have crippled its economy. Iran insists that discussions be limited to the nuclear issue, whereas the U.S. Is pushing for a broader scope that includes Iran’s missile program and its support for armed groups in the Middle East. Following a second round of talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, February 17th, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country was “formulating” a framework for further talks with the U.S. Araghchi stated that Tehran had agreed to “guiding principles” with Washington, but U.S. Vice President JD Vance countered that Iran had not yet acknowledged all of the red lines set by the U.S.

Past Conflicts and Regional Implications

The current tensions build upon a history of conflict between the U.S. And Iran, dating back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, offered a temporary respite, but the U.S. Withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under the previous administration led to a resurgence of tensions. The recent escalation is further complicated by regional dynamics, including the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Syria, where Iran and the U.S. Support opposing sides. A military confrontation could destabilize the entire region, potentially drawing in other actors and exacerbating existing conflicts. You can find more information about the JCPOA here.

The potential for a U.S. Attack on Iran has raised concerns among international allies, with many urging restraint and a return to diplomacy. The United Kingdom, while a close ally of the U.S., has expressed reservations about military action, particularly given the potential for unintended consequences. The European Union has also called for de-escalation and a renewed commitment to the JCPOA. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of Israel, which has long viewed Iran as a threat and has repeatedly called for stronger action against Tehran.

What comes next will likely depend on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations and President Trump’s ultimate decision regarding military action. The coming days are critical, as the risk of miscalculation and escalation remains high. Continued diplomatic efforts, coupled with a commitment to de-escalation from all parties, are essential to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East.

Share your thoughts on this developing situation in the comments below.

February 19, 2026 0 comments

News

Vatican Declines to Join Trump’s Gaza Peace Board, Citing UN Role

by James Carter Senior News Editor February 18, 2026

written by James Carter Senior News Editor

Vatican City – The Vatican will not participate in President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace,” a post-war initiative intended to oversee recovery efforts in the Gaza Strip, its top diplomatic official announced Tuesday. The decision signals a reluctance from the Holy See to join the U.S.-led effort, citing concerns over the initiative’s structure and the primacy of the United Nations in managing international crises.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, stated that the Holy See “will not participate in the Board of Peace because of its particular nature, which is evidently not that of other States,” according to reports. The board, initially chartered in January, aims to coordinate reconstruction and governance in Gaza following the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Vatican’s decision comes as other nations likewise weigh their involvement in the U.S.-backed project.

Concerns Over UN’s Role in Crisis Management

Cardinal Parolin articulated the Vatican’s primary concern: the belief that the United Nations should be the leading body in managing international crisis situations. “One concern is that, at the international level it should above all be the UN that manages these crisis situations. This is one of the points on which we have insisted,” he said. This stance underscores the Vatican’s long-held preference for multilateral solutions through established international organizations. The Vatican received an invitation to join the board from President Trump in January, and has been considering its response since then.

The Board of Peace, which initially included nearly 20 countries, was conceived as a body to supervise the ceasefire in Gaza and coordinate the strip’s reconstruction. However, its scope has since been expanded, with President Trump suggesting it could address a range of global disputes. Some observers view the initiative as an attempt to establish an alternative multilateral forum to the UN, which the U.S. President has repeatedly criticized.

Growing List of Nations Hesitant to Join

The Vatican is not alone in its hesitation. Italy and Poland announced Wednesday they would not be joining the board, adding to a growing list of nations expressing reservations. Israel formally joined the board last week, ahead of a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Trump at the White House, Reuters reported. Several other countries, including Russia, Belarus, France, Germany, Vietnam, Finland, Ukraine, Ireland, Greece, and China, were also invited by the White House.

President Trump announced Sunday that members of the Board of Peace have pledged more than $5 billion in aid for Gaza, with a formal pledge meeting scheduled for Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The funding is intended to support reconstruction efforts and address humanitarian needs in the region.

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. Pope, received the invitation to join the board in January. The Vatican’s decision reflects a careful consideration of the initiative’s implications for international diplomacy and the role of the United Nations.

What to Expect Next

The Vatican’s decision not to participate in President Trump’s Board of Peace underscores the complexities of international cooperation in addressing global crises. As other nations continue to evaluate their involvement, the future of the initiative remains uncertain. The focus will likely shift to the upcoming meeting in Washington, D.C., where pledged aid will be formalized and the board’s operational plans will be further developed. The international community will be watching closely to see how the Board of Peace navigates the challenges of coordinating aid and reconstruction in Gaza, particularly in light of the Vatican’s preference for a UN-led approach.

What are your thoughts on the Vatican’s decision? Share your comments below and let us know what you think about the future of international crisis management.

February 18, 2026 0 comments

News

Columbia Protester Mohsen Mahdawi Avoids Deportation: Judge Cites Insufficient Evidence

by James Carter Senior News Editor February 18, 2026

written by James Carter Senior News Editor

An immigration judge has ruled that Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi will not be deported from the United States, a significant development in a case that drew attention to issues of free speech, political activism, and immigration enforcement. The ruling, issued February 13th by Judge Nina Froes, found that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate Mahdawi’s removability.

The case centered on allegations stemming from both recent protests and incidents dating back to 2015. Mahdawi, 34, co-founded the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia University following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, and has been a vocal participant in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The government’s attempt to deport him also relied on claims of antisemitic remarks made years prior, but the judge determined the evidence presented was insufficient to proceed. This ruling marks a victory for Mahdawi and his legal team.

Judge Cites Insufficient Evidence

According to reports, Judge Froes determined that DHS relied on a memorandum purportedly signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but the department failed to authenticate the document. The government could not “meet its burden of proving removability,” VTDigger reported. Mahdawi’s attorneys shared the decision Tuesday in a filing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York, which had been reviewing a prior ruling that led to his release from immigration custody in April 2025.

Mahdawi was initially detained during a citizenship appointment in Vermont in April 2025, spending over two weeks in custody before being released on bail after filing a habeas petition. A federal judge subsequently ordered that he not be deported or removed from the state, issuing the order through U.S. District Judge Geoffrey Crawford in Burlington.

Allegations and Prior FBI Interview

The deportation case stemmed from multiple allegations. In addition to his involvement with the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia, founded with Mahmoud Khalil, the government pointed to a 2015 interview with the FBI. At that time, Mahdawi was questioned regarding allegedly making antisemitic remarks at a Vermont gun store and a firearms museum.

According to court documents cited by New England News Collaborative, the gun store owner claimed Mahdawi expressed interest in purchasing firearms, including a sniper rifle and an automatic weapon, and stated he had experience building modified 9mm submachine guns “to kill Jews even as he was in Palestine.” The owner also alleged Mahdawi said, “I like to kill Jews” at a museum in Windsor. Mahdawi has consistently denied making these statements or expressing violent intent.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Trish McLaughlin, previously stated, “As the media works overtime to glorify a ringleader of the Columbia pro-terrorist riots, court documents reveal Mahdawi allegedly told a gun shop owner that he had considerable firearms experience and he ‘used to kill Jews’”.

Defense Claims Thorough Investigation Found No Evidence

Mahdawi’s defense team maintains that a thorough investigation by federal agents found “no evidence” supporting the allegations. In a statement released Tuesday, Mahdawi expressed gratitude for the court’s decision. “I am grateful to the court for honoring the rule of law and holding the line against the government’s attempts to trample on due process,” he said. “This decision is an important step towards upholding what fear tried to destroy: the right to speak for peace and justice. Nearly a year ago, I was detained at my citizenship interview not for breaking the law but for speaking against the genocide of Palestinians.”

The Department of Homeland Security has been contacted for comment, but has not yet responded.

The outcome of this case raises questions about the standards of evidence required in deportation proceedings and the balance between national security concerns and the rights of free speech and political expression. Further legal challenges or appeals from the government remain possible, and the case will likely continue to be monitored by civil liberties groups and advocates for both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.