US President Donald Trump is set to announce a multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting scheduled for February 19th. The gathering in Washington D.C., which Trump will chair, is expected to draw delegations from over twenty countries, including several heads of state.
The first formal meeting for this initiative follows President Trump’s January 23rd establishment of the Board of Peace through a document signed at Davos, Switzerland. A UN Security Council resolution endorsed the creation of the board as part of Trump’s Gaza plan, which also includes plans for a UN-authorised stabilisation force for the Palestinian enclave.
While major players such as Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Indonesia have joined the Board of Peace, traditional Western allies like Israel, along with regional powers including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (who recently visited Washington), have been more cautious in their participation. Netanyahu confirmed his country’s membership at a visit to the US.
In addition to Trump’s announcement about a multi-billion-dollar fund for Gaza, details on potential troops contributions from various countries will be shared. The officials state that these contributions aim to bolster and stabilise the region, emphasizing the Board of Peace’s focus solely on addressing Gaza’s urgent needs.
A critical component of Trump’s plan involves deploying an International Stabilisation Force in accordance with its first phase. This phase entails a fragile ceasefire established by Hamas’ release of hostages and Israel’s freeing of detained Palestinians on October 10th. The next step is to disarm Hamas fighters, who have been reluctant to relinquish their weapons.
A central part of the upcoming meetings will also cover the work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which was formed to take over the day-to-day civil administration from Hamas. This committee has announced its members and held its first meeting in January.
The Board of Peace’s discussions will further include updates on humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza as well as plans for the Gaza police force, according to US officials.