Trump's Board of Peace Holds Inaugural Meeting Amid International Divisions

President Donald Trump's newly established Board of Peace convened its inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C., aiming to spearhead Gaza's reconstruction following the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. The U.S. pledged $10 billion toward rebuilding efforts, pending congressional approval, while nine member countries collectively committed an additional $7 billion. Five nations—Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania—agreed to contribute troops to a multinational stabilization force.

Despite these commitments, the initiative has faced criticism for its perceived challenge to existing international structures. The Board's charter describes it as an international organization promoting stability and peace in conflict zones, leading to concerns about its potential to undermine the United Nations. The $1 billion entry fee for permanent membership has also been contentious, with only 27 countries officially joining, including Albania, Egypt, Indonesia, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. Several European nations, such as France and Germany, declined to participate, citing apprehensions about legitimizing a project that may conflict with their values.

The Board's reconstruction plan for Gaza has been criticized for lacking consultation with local Palestinian authorities and for its resemblance to previous proposals that envisioned significant redevelopment without addressing the needs and rights of the existing population. Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, have rejected suggestions to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of a two-state solution and the importance of supporting Gaza's reconstruction without forced displacement.

European Union diplomats met with Nikolay Mladenov, the Board's director, to discuss the initiative's humanitarian and strategic plans for Gaza. While the EU has not formally joined the Board, it has sent observers and expressed interest in influencing peace and reconstruction efforts in the region. Internal disagreements within the EU have surfaced, with some member states supporting the initiative and others opposing it, reflecting the broader international divide over the Board's legitimacy and scope.