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U.S. President Donald Trump will chair the first meeting of his newly formed Board of Peace on Thursday, placing the future of Gaza reconstruction and regional stability at the center of global attention. The high-profile gathering in Washington is expected to draw representatives from more than 45 countries, highlighting international efforts to address the aftermath of the two-year Gaza war.
During the event, Trump is set to announce that participating nations have pledged $5 billion toward a Gaza reconstruction fund. The initial funding includes $1.2 billion each from the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, key U.S. allies in the Gulf. Officials say the total rebuilding cost will require significantly more financial support in the months ahead, as large portions of Gaza’s infrastructure remain devastated.
The Board of Peace has sparked controversy, particularly because it includes Israel but excludes Palestinian representatives. Critics have also raised concerns that the initiative could weaken the United Nations’ traditional role in global diplomacy and conflict resolution. Notably, permanent U.N. Security Council members such as France, Britain, Russia, and China are not expected to attend.
A major focus of the discussions will be the disarmament of Hamas militants, which remains a central obstacle to long-term peace in Gaza. Senior U.S. officials indicated that several countries are preparing to deploy thousands of troops as part of an International Stabilization Force. However, peacekeepers are unlikely to enter Gaza until demilitarization progresses. Hamas has shown reluctance to surrender its weapons, citing fears of Israeli reprisals despite last October’s fragile ceasefire.
Other pressing issues include the expansion of humanitarian aid and determining who will oversee its distribution. With security forces in Gaza still undertrained and aid delivery described as inadequate, establishing stability is seen as a critical first step toward recovery and lasting peace.
