President Donald Trump is set to host the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday, bringing together representatives from over two dozen countries. The gathering aims to focus on reconstruction and establishing an international stabilization force for war-torn Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire deal is in place. But here's where it gets controversial: Trump's expanded vision for the board has sparked concerns among some US allies, who question its legitimacy and potential rivalry with the United Nations.
Trump has announced that board members have pledged $5 billion for reconstruction, a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild the Palestinian territory. Members are expected to unveil commitments of thousands of personnel for international stabilization and police forces. Trump described the board as "the most consequential board ever assembled."
The board was initiated as part of Trump's 20-point peace plan to end the conflict in Gaza. However, since the October ceasefire, Trump's vision has evolved, and he now wants the board to have an even more ambitious remit, not only to bring lasting peace between Israel and Hamas but also to resolve conflicts worldwide.
Central to Thursday's discussions will be creating an armed international stabilization force to ensure security and disarm the militant Hamas group, a key demand of Israel and a cornerstone of the ceasefire deal. However, only Indonesia has so far offered a firm commitment to the proposed force.
Some US allies remain skeptical, and the meeting comes as the UN Security Council holds a high-level session on the ceasefire deal and Israel's efforts to expand control in the West Bank. The Trump administration has pushed back on concerns, emphasizing the board's legitimacy and its focus on Gaza's reconstruction.
The meeting will feature updates from the Gaza Executive Board, which is responsible for creating a functioning government system and services for the territory. Speakers at the conference will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Despite skepticism, the board's efforts to address Gaza's challenges and its potential impact on regional stability have sparked discussions and debates. Will the board succeed in its ambitious goals? And what does the future hold for Gaza and the region?
