President Donald Trump convened representatives from over two dozen countries on March 15, 2024, for the inaugural meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace. The gathering, held in Washington, aimed to address reconstruction efforts and the establishment of an international stabilization force in the war-torn Gaza Strip, where a fragile ceasefire remains in place. Trump announced that board members have committed $5 billion toward reconstruction efforts, although this amount represents only a fraction of the estimated $70 billion required to rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.
The meeting is part of Trump’s broader 20-point peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following the ceasefire agreement reached in October 2023, Trump has expanded the board’s objectives to encompass not only the resolution of the Israel-Hamas conflict but also efforts to tackle various global disputes. He expressed high hopes for the board’s potential impact, stating, “We have the greatest leaders in the world joining the Board of Peace. I think it has the chance to be the most consequential board ever assembled of any kind.”
Global Participation and Skepticism
More than 40 countries, along with the European Union, confirmed attendance at the meeting, according to a senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Notable nations such as Germany, Italy, Norway, and Switzerland have opted not to join the board but will participate as observers. The United Nations Security Council convened a high-level meeting on March 14 to discuss the ceasefire and Israel’s expansion of control in the West Bank, which was moved to avoid scheduling conflicts with the board’s inaugural meeting.
While the Trump administration aims to assert the board as a legitimate alternative to the United Nations, skepticism persists among U.S. allies. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized that the United Nations should primarily manage international crisis situations. In response, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the board, describing it as a legitimate organization comprising numerous member countries dedicated to reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz also addressed concerns from allies, arguing that the board is focused on actionable outcomes rather than discussions, stating, “We are hearing the chattering class criticizing the structure of the board, that it’s unconventional, that it’s unprecedented. Again, the old ways were not working.”
Disarmament and Future Initiatives
A key issue on the agenda for the meeting is the establishment of an armed international stabilization force tasked with maintaining security and facilitating the disarmament of the militant group Hamas. This demand is a central component of the ceasefire agreement, yet as of now, only Indonesia has officially committed to contributing forces. The group’s willingness to disarm remains uncertain, posing significant challenges to the board’s mission.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed his commitment to collaborating with other leading Islamic nations to pursue lasting peace in Palestine, stating, “We recognize there are still obstacles to be overcome, but at least my position is we have to try, and we have to do our best.”
Updates from the Gaza Executive Board, which serves as the operational arm of the board, are anticipated during the meeting. These updates will address efforts to establish a functioning government system and essential services for the territory. Other speakers at the conference include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and the executive board’s high representative Nickolay Mladenov.
Michael Hanna, program director at the International Crisis Group, highlighted the skepticism surrounding the board’s expanded mandate. He noted that many U.S. allies are hesitant to join without clear authorization for its objectives beyond Gaza. “Instead, many of the states most invested in Gaza’s future have signed up with the hope of focusing U.S. attention and encouraging Trump himself to use the influence he has with Israel,” he remarked.
As the Board of Peace embarks on its ambitious journey, the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East remains uncertain, with the effectiveness of international cooperation and commitment to peace yet to be tested.
