Washington D.C. Is hosting the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, an initiative established by former President Donald Trump, today, February 19, 2026. The primary focus of this first session will be addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip and its subsequent reconstruction, according to reports from multiple news outlets.
The formation of the Board of Peace, announced earlier this year, has drawn international attention, with President Trump stating the organization possesses “unlimited potential.” However, the initial composition and operating principles of the council have already sparked debate and scrutiny. The initiative aims to address global conflicts, but its structure and funding requirements have raised questions about its effectiveness and inclusivity.
Invitations to join the Board of Peace were initially extended broadly, without regard to a nation’s democratic standing. However, participation comes with a significant financial commitment: a requirement of a $1 billion (approximately 21 billion Czech Koruna) contribution for permanent membership, as reported by Seznam Zprávy. This condition led several countries to decline the invitation.
The acceptance of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko and an overture towards Russian President Vladimir Putin generated controversy in Western nations. However, neither Lukashenko nor Putin will be attending the inaugural meeting. The Kremlin stated it is still evaluating the purpose of the Board, according to Seznam Zprávy. France, Germany and the United Kingdom will as well not be participating in the initial session, citing concerns over the style of American diplomacy and the Board’s unclear rules of operation.
Critics have pointed to similarities between the Board of Peace and the United Nations, while others have expressed reservations about the charter, which grants President Trump a lifetime leadership role and extensive powers. Concerns have also been raised regarding the expectation that member states avoid disputes with the former President, as illustrated by a recent incident involving Canada, according to Seznam Zprávy.
Despite these concerns, financial commitments are beginning to materialize. President Trump announced that members of the Board of Peace have pledged $5 billion (over 103 billion Czech Koruna) towards the reconstruction of Gaza and the deployment of thousands of troops for an international stabilization mission, Novinky.cz reported. Indonesia has indicated a potential commitment of up to 8,000 troops for a humanitarian and peacekeeping mission in Gaza.
The reconstruction of Gaza is estimated to cost around $70 billion, according to assessments by the UN, the World Bank, and the EU. The territory sustained extensive damage during more than two years of Israeli bombardment, and the October 2025 ceasefire only partially ended hostilities. Israel, a member of the Board of Peace, will be represented by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not be attending the meeting.
The Board of Peace was initially conceived as a means to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, some observers, including the Associated Press, suggest it may serve as an attempt by the United States to circumvent traditional multilateral organizations, such as the UN Security Council.
President Trump has described the Board of Peace as “the most significant international institution in history” and expressed his honor in serving as its chairman. He stated, “They are amazing leaders. Every one of them is my friend,” according to Seznam Zprávy.
The first formal establishment of the Board of Peace occurred in Davos, Switzerland, where President Trump signed a document with invited state leaders, initially focusing on achieving peace in the Gaza Strip and addressing other conflicts, as reported by iDNES.cz. The Board intends to oversee the demilitarization and rebuilding of Gaza.
Looking ahead, the success of the Board of Peace will depend on its ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and secure broader international support. The outcomes of today’s meeting in Washington will be closely watched for indications of the Board’s operational effectiveness and its potential to contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
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