WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump plans to convene the initial meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace later this month in Washington, aiming to raise funds dedicated to reconstructing Gaza. Scheduled for February 19, the gathering will bring together global leaders who accepted invitations extended by Trump in January, alongside members of an executive committee charged with overseeing the territory's governance, security, and redevelopment initiatives, according to two officials from the Trump administration who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The administration has not publicly disclosed the full list of participants, and it remains unclear how many invited leaders will attend. Officials have indicated, however, that expectations for participation are strong, with one describing the anticipated turnout as “robust.” The meeting is planned to take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace facility in Washington, which the administration has renamed the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace amidst ongoing legal disputes with the institute’s prior leadership following its seizure and significant staffing changes last year.
Initially perceived as a vehicle focused narrowly on resolving the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Board of Peace has since evolved to embrace a broader mission aimed at addressing global crises. This approach appears to align with President Trump’s objective to reset the international order established in the aftermath of World War II, with renewed emphasis on U.S.-led initiatives that may operate independently from the United Nations structure.
Despite these ambitions, several of America’s closest allies in Europe and other regions have declined to join the Board, reportedly due to concerns that it might function as a counterweight or rival to the Security Council. This underscores ongoing tension regarding international cooperation frameworks, especially in matters concerning governance and security in conflict zones such as Gaza.