What’s next for Gaza after Trump’s Board of Peace meets in Washington?
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The first meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace, held in Washington, aimed to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza by pledging financial aid, potential peacekeeping troops, and investments. However, only one Palestinian representative attended the international gathering, raising questions about its inclusivity and effectiveness. Major European nations remained cautious, expressing concerns over the initiative's feasibility and alignment with their foreign policies.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including former world leaders, diplomats, and activists, who discussed ways to stabilize Gaza and promote regional peace. Trump’s administration emphasized the need for a coordinated international approach to tackle the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by political instability, economic sanctions, and ongoing conflicts. The absence of significant Palestinian representation, with only one delegate present, highlighted the fractured nature of the Palestinian leadership and their limited engagement with such initiatives.
European countries, while not entirely dismissing the meeting’s potential, expressed skepticism about Trump’s approach. Some questioned the lack of a clear roadmap for peace and the reliance on military solutions rather than diplomatic dialogue. Experts, including Rami Khouri from the American University of Beirut and Gideon Levy from Haaretz, warned that without Palestinian buy-in and a more balanced international strategy, any efforts to bring lasting peace to Gaza would likely fail.
The gathering also underscored the growing divide between the United States
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026