Trump kicks off his 'Board of Peace,' with eye on Gaza
France 24
by FRANCE24February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host the first meeting of his controversial "Board of Peace" on Thursday, with representatives from over 45 nations expected to attend. The event, which notably includes Israel but excludes Palestinian delegates, aims to address the ongoing challenges in Gaza and potentially other global conflicts. However, this initiative has sparked criticism, as Trump's suggestion that the board could eventually supersede the United Nations' role in global diplomacy has raised concerns about undermining international cooperation.
The Board of Peace reflects Trump's broader efforts to reassert U.S. influence in the Middle East and beyond. Earlier this year, he brokered a normalization agreement between Israel and Sudan under the Abraham Accords, which also included deals with Bahrain and the UAE. While the administration touts these agreements as diplomatic breakthroughs, critics argue that excluding Palestinian voices from the table risks alienating key stakeholders and complicates efforts to resolve long-standing conflicts.
The absence of Palestinian representatives at the inaugural meeting has drawn sharp criticism from both international observers and Arab allies. Some fear that Trump's initiative could marginalize the UN, which has historically served as the primary platform for conflict resolution and diplomacy. Critics also worry that bypassing established international institutions could lead to fragmented approaches to global security challenges, potentially destabilizing regions already grappling with complex issues.
Ultimately, Trump's Board of Peace represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing unilateral and selective engagement over multilateral cooperation. While the administration positions this as an innovative approach to conflict resolution, its impact on global diplomacy remains uncertain. The success or failure of this initiative will likely have far-reaching consequences for US relations with key allies and adversaries alike, shaping the future of international peace efforts in ways that could either strengthen or undermine global stability.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/19/2026