WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump convened the first meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace on Thursday, securing pledges totaling billions of dollars for the reconstruction of Gaza and commitments of troops for an international security force. The meeting, held at the U.S. Institute of Peace, comes as a fragile ceasefire holds in the region, and signals a renewed push by the Trump administration to resolve global conflicts through direct negotiation and financial investment.
The Board of Peace, unveiled last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos, aims to address conflicts worldwide, with an initial focus on Gaza. While the initiative has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism, today’s meeting demonstrated a willingness from several nations to contribute to the rebuilding efforts and stabilization of the territory. The President described the Board of Peace as “one of the most important” undertakings of his administration, while also criticizing some U.S. Allies for not yet joining the effort, stating they were “playing cute.”
U.S. Pledges $10 Billion for Gaza Reconstruction
President Trump announced a significant financial commitment from the United States, pledging $10 billion to the Board of Peace. “The Board of Peace is showing how a better future can be built, starting right here in this room,” he said. “I desire to let you know that the United States is going to make a contribution of $10 billion to the Board of Peace.” It remains unclear whether this funding has received formal congressional approval, a requirement for such a large expenditure. The President indicated he had “great support” for the proposed amount, characterizing it as a “very small number” compared to the costs of continued conflict.
In addition to the U.S. Commitment, representatives from participating countries pledged approximately $7 billion in total, according to reports from the meeting. Several nations also committed to sending troops and police to facilitate stabilize Gaza, though specific numbers and deployments were not immediately detailed. Five countries have committed troops for an international security force for Gaza, according to CBC News.
Concerns Over Board’s Structure and Influence
The formation of the Board of Peace has not been without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the potential for the structure to sideline the United Nations and the reported requirement of a $1 billion cash contribution within the first year for permanent membership. This has led to questions about whether authoritarian governments could gain undue influence within the body. Several close U.S. Allies have hesitated to participate or have refused to join, citing these concerns.
Attendees at the meeting included Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The presence of Infantino, the only non-political attendee, highlights the Board’s broad ambitions to address conflicts beyond traditional geopolitical spheres.
Looking Ahead: Iran and Regional Stability
Beyond Gaza, the Trump administration also addressed the ongoing situation with Iran during the Board of Peace meeting. President Trump indicated that a decision regarding potential military strikes on Iran would come “over the next probably 10 days,” while the Defense Department is reportedly preparing for such a contingency by sending additional weaponry to the Middle East, including warships, air defenses, and submarines.
The success of the Board of Peace will depend on sustained financial commitments, broad international cooperation, and a commitment to addressing the underlying causes of conflict. The next steps will involve finalizing troop deployments, establishing clear guidelines for reconstruction funding, and navigating the complex political landscape of the region. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this new initiative can deliver on its promise of a more peaceful and stable future for Gaza and beyond.
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