Trump’s Board of Peace Takes on Gaza

Foreign Policy

by Alexandra Sharp

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the first Board of Peace meeting in Washington, focusing on addressing the Israel-Hamas war and Gaza's reconstruction. Nine members pledged $7 billion for Gaza's relief, with an additional $10 billion committed by the U.S., though specifics on usage remain unclear. Despite these efforts, the total needed for rebuilding is estimated at $70 billion. The meeting also saw plans to deploy 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 police officers under an international stabilization force, initially targeting Rafah for reconstruction. The Trump administration aims to establish a 5,000-person military base as the force's operational hub. While Gaza was the immediate focus, Trump emphasized the board's long-term goal of global conflict resolution, hinting at potential competition with the United Nations. Trump's control over the Board of Peace is significant; he serves as its lifelong chair and holds unilateral authority to veto decisions, set agendas, and appoint successors. This centralized power has raised concerns among experts about the board's independence and its ability to function effectively beyond Trump's tenure. This initiative underscores Trump's ambitious vision for global peace, though his control over the board raises questions about its effectiveness and legitimacy on the international stage. The potential rivalry with the UN adds another layer of complexity, as Trump has previously shown skepticism toward multilateral institutions. The Board of Peace reflects Trump's broader strategy to assert U.S. influence globally through unilateral measures, bypassing traditional international frameworks like the UN. This approach not only reshapes global diplomacy but also sets

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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/19/2026