The inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s Peace Board, his initiative to end the war in Gaza, begins today with representatives from over 45 countries.
However, several major European allies, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, have declined invitations, citing concerns about the board’s functioning and the possibility that it could rival the United Nations. The board has no Palestinian representation, while Israel holds a seat.
The summit takes place nearly three months after the UN Security Council approved a US-backed ceasefire plan, which includes a two-year mandate for the Peace Board to oversee the demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza. Key unresolved issues include disarming Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the scale of reconstruction, and the flow of humanitarian aid.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump announced that board members have pledged $5 billion (3.7 billion pounds) for reconstruction efforts—a sum far below the $70 billion (52 billion pounds) estimated as needed to rebuild the Palestinian territory devastated by two years of conflict.
The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violations. Under the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces withdrew behind a so-called “yellow line,” though they retain control over more than half of the territory.
Agenda at the Donald J. Trump American Peace Institute:
- 12:15 – Delegation arrivals begin
- 14:05 – Delegation arrivals conclude
- 14:40 – Family photo
- 15:00 – Meeting begins, opened by the US President and Vice President, followed by roundtable presentations and key updates
