US President Donald Trump convened a gathering of international allies on Thursday to launch his new initiative, the “Board of Peace,” a body aimed at advancing reconstruction and security in Gaza while signaling ambitions that stretch far beyond the region.
The event brought together around two dozen world leaders and senior officials in Washington, largely consisting of Trump’s allies with more authoritarian-leaning governments. Notably absent were many of the traditional European partners that typically engage with US-led initiatives.
The creation of the Board follows the Trump administration’s efforts alongside Qatar and Egypt to broker a ceasefire in October, ending two years of devastating conflict in Gaza. The United States says the initiative has now entered a second phase, focusing on disarming Hamas, the militant group whose October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel sparked the escalation. Gaza’s health authorities report that at least 601 people have died in Israeli operations since the truce began.
During the meeting, Trump is expected to outline commitments exceeding $5 billion for Gaza, where most buildings remain in ruins, and he has floated proposals for ambitious redevelopment projects, including resorts. Discussions will also cover the formation of an International Stabilization Force intended to ensure security in Gaza. Indonesia has emerged as a key player, offering up to 8,000 troops if the force is deployed, with President Prabowo Subianto attending both the board launch and prior events at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
US officials, including Trump’s negotiator Steve Witkoff, insist that meaningful progress is being made and that Hamas is under growing pressure to relinquish weapons. Israel has outlined plans to confiscate small arms from the group, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing the AK-47 as the primary weapon of concern. Analysts caution that disarming Hamas will be complex, and Israel views a credible pathway as essential for the board’s success. Meanwhile, a technocratic committee led by former official Ali Shaath has been established to oversee Gaza’s daily governance, though Hamas warns that Israel must first halt its violations and lift the siege.
The Board of Peace will operate out of the building formerly housing the US Institute of Peace, an institution Trump once reshaped, including removing staff and affixing his name to the entrance. Trump retains veto authority over the board and can continue to lead it post-presidency. Nations wishing to join permanently must contribute $1 billion, while others can participate in two-year terms. US officials stress the focus is on Gaza, but the initiative has been described in broad, undefined terms as capable of addressing other global conflicts. Critics, however, see it as a mix of personal ambition and opportunism, lacking coherent strategy.
The inaugural session includes leaders such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Argentina’s Javier Milei, alongside figures like Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, who are seeking closer US engagement. Major historic allies, including France and Canada, are absent, and Japan has only committed an envoy. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declined, insisting the board remain Gaza-focused and include Palestinian representation, calling it “a new UN where only [Trump] is the owner.”
The launch underscores Trump’s continued effort to project influence on the world stage, even outside office, while emphasizing a controversial, US-centered approach to international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
