Board of Peace Meets to Fund Gaza

What's happened

On February 19, 2026, the inaugural Board of Peace meeting chaired by former US President Donald Trump convened in Washington, D.C., with delegations from over 20 countries including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The meeting aimed to raise billions for Gaza's reconstruction and discuss deploying an international stabilization force amid ongoing ceasefire violations and political tensions.

What's behind the headline?

The Board of Peace: A Controversial New Actor in Gaza

• The Board of Peace represents a significant shift in international governance, with former US President Donald Trump chairing a body that aims to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and security.
• Its creation and expanded remit beyond Gaza have sparked concerns about undermining the United Nations and replicating a colonial-style administration.
• The inclusion of Israel and absence of Palestinian representation on the board fuel criticism and skepticism about its legitimacy and impartiality.
• The board's ability to raise over $5 billion in pledges and secure troop commitments, notably Indonesia's 8,000 troops, signals serious international engagement but also highlights geopolitical complexities.
• Ongoing violence and ceasefire violations, alongside Hamas's refusal to disarm, challenge the board's mandate and the feasibility of a peaceful transition.
• The upcoming deployment of an international stabilization force will be a critical test of the board's effectiveness and regional cooperation.
• The board's future influence depends on balancing competing interests, managing skepticism from Western allies, and addressing humanitarian needs amid political tensions.

This initiative will likely reshape Gaza's political landscape and international involvement, but its success hinges on overcoming deep-rooted conflicts and securing broad-based support.

How we got here

The Board of Peace was established by former US President Donald Trump in January 2026 to oversee Gaza's postwar governance and reconstruction following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October 2025. Authorized by a UN Security Council resolution, the board includes over 20 countries tasked with facilitating Gaza's transition to a non-Hamas government and stabilizing the region.

Our analysis

The New Arab reported on the persistent violence in Gaza despite the ceasefire, noting that over 600 Palestinians have been killed since October 2025, and highlighted Indonesia's commitment to deploy 8,000 troops as part of the stabilization force. The NY Post detailed the $5 billion fundraising pledge announced by Trump ahead of the meeting, emphasizing ambitious reconstruction plans including building 100,000 homes in Rafah. The Times of Israel provided insight into regional skepticism, quoting Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud expressing the need for clarity on Israeli withdrawal and Hamas disarmament before committing funds. Al Jazeera underscored the humanitarian crisis, citing UN officials on aid blockages and Israeli military actions continuing in Gaza. Reuters and The New Arab highlighted concerns about the board's expanded remit beyond Gaza and its potential to rival the United Nations, with critics likening it to a colonial structure. These varied perspectives illustrate the complex geopolitical, humanitarian, and diplomatic challenges surrounding the Board of Peace's efforts in Gaza.

Go deeper

• What is the Board of Peace and who leads it?
• How will the international stabilization force operate in Gaza?
• What are the main challenges facing Gaza's reconstruction?

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