US President Donald Trump inaugurated the first meeting of the Board of Peace at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026, an initiative aimed at reconstructing Gaza after years of conflict, with pledges of billions from multiple nations, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to CNN. The event featured high-energy visuals reminiscent of a political rally, yet its purpose was to outline the new body’s role in international conflict management and reconstruction efforts.
In his remarks, Trump announced that nine countries had collectively pledged over $7 billion to Gaza relief, while the United States committed an additional $10 billion to the board, which he will chair indefinitely. Some member nations also agreed to contribute troops to a stabilization force intended to secure Gaza. A billionaire on the board’s executive committee highlighted the enclave’s development potential, while FIFA presented a video showcasing plans for a complete football infrastructure in Gaza, even as much of the territory remains devastated following nearly two years of Israeli bombardment.
Despite these pledges, major challenges persist. Ceasefire violations have continued, the humanitarian situation is critical, and the demilitarization of Hamas has not yet been achieved, raising questions about the feasibility of reconstruction and the deployment of forces. Trump indicated that the Board of Peace could operate alongside or above the United Nations, claiming authority to address global hotspots beyond Gaza, even though its Security Council mandate currently focuses solely on the enclave.
Approximately 48 nations attended the meeting, though only half were board members, while the rest participated as observers. European Union officials expressed concerns over the board’s broad mission and operational scope. Traditional US allies largely refrained from joining, and Trump suggested that Russia and China could become future members.
US officials acknowledge that demilitarization will be a long-term process facilitated by the Palestinian technocratic government. Hamas, in a statement on Thursday, did not address disarmament, instead urging full reopening of Gaza crossings and reconstruction efforts. The International Stabilization Force’s deployment remains uncertain, with countries including Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, and Kazakhstan committing troops and police, while Egypt and Jordan are providing training and support to build a credible Palestinian police force.
The board’s National Committee for the Administration of Gaza plans to train 5,000 Gazan police within 60 days, but its efforts are limited due to inability to enter the territory. High Representative Nickolay Mladenov emphasized that full demilitarization is essential to begin reconstruction. Details regarding the allocation and timeline of the $17 billion pledged remain unclear, with officials noting potential obstacles from Israeli control and ongoing military operations.
Earlier we wrote that Air Force One jets repainted in Trump’s red, gold, and dark blue colors, C‑32s updated
