President Trump held the inaugural session of his newly-formed Board of Peace Thursday, gathering delegates from more than 40 nations along with observers from an additional dozen countries. The first meeting centered on rebuilding efforts in Gaza and establishing an international stabilization force for the territory, where a fragile ceasefire remains in effect.
According to Trump, board participants have committed $5 billion toward reconstruction efforts, though this represents only a small portion of the estimated $70 billion experts say is required to fully restore the Palestinian region. The group is also expected to provide thousands of personnel for international security and police operations, raising concerns that Trump aims to establish an alternative to the United Nations.
Vatican Emphasizes UN’s Primary Role
Earlier this week, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed to reporters that “at the international level it should above all be the U.N. that manages these crisis situations.”
The Trump administration responded Wednesday with pushback from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt: “This president has a very bold and ambitious plan and vision to rebuild and reconstruct Gaza, which is well underway because of the Board of Peace. This is a legitimate organization where there are tens of member countries from around the world.”
U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz emphasized that the board is “not talking, it is doing.”
“We are hearing the chattering class criticizing the structure of the board, that it’s unconventional, that it’s unprecedented,” Waltz stated. “Again, the old ways were not working.”
Trump’s Perspective on UN Effectiveness
Earlier this week, Trump expressed hope that the board would encourage the U.N. to “get on the ball.”
“The United Nations has great potential,” he commented. “They haven’t lived up to the potential.”
Security Council Criticizes Israeli West Bank Actions
On Wednesday, ahead of Trump’s Board of Peace gathering, United Nations Security Council members demanded that the Gaza ceasefire become permanent while condemning Israeli plans to expand control in the West Bank as undermining the possibility of a two-state solution. The council convened to address the future of Palestinian territories.
Participating Nations
Countries that have announced their participation include Argentina, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Egypt, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kosovo, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Expanded Mission Beyond Gaza
The board’s scope has grown since its creation as part of Trump’s 20-point peace proposal to end the Gaza conflict. Following the October ceasefire, Trump envisions an expanded mandate that would not only achieve lasting peace between Israel and Hamas but also help address global conflicts.
Challenges in Hamas Disarmament
Central to ongoing discussions is the question of how to disarm Hamas. Israel has made the creation of an armed international stabilization force a key requirement, viewing it as essential for maintaining security and ensuring Hamas gives up its weapons as part of the ceasefire agreement.
So far, only Indonesia has made a concrete commitment to contribute to Trump’s proposed force. Meanwhile, Hamas has shown little indication of willingness to proceed with disarmament.
