U.S. President Donald Trump hosted the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday in Washington, a new initiative aimed at coordinating reconstruction in Gaza and addressing wider global conflicts. The gathering included representatives from 47 nations, although some key allies, including France, declined to participate.
U.S President Donald Trump holds a signed resolution, during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
EU Concerns and French Response
France expressed surprise over the European Commission’s presence at the event. Pascal Confavreux, spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry, said Paris was concerned the Commission lacked a mandate to represent EU member states and that the board should focus strictly on Gaza in line with a U.N. Security Council resolution.
The Commission’s Dubravka Suica, attending as an observer, emphasized on social media that the EU’s goal was “coordinated action, accountable governance, and tangible results for the Palestinian people.” However, several EU diplomats questioned whether Suica’s presence risked undermining the U.N.’s authority and bypassing member states’ approval.
Demonstrators hold banners, as an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump lies on the ground near the U.S. Institute of Peace building, during a protest on the day of the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Other European nations took varied approaches: the U.K. and Germany sent ambassadors, while France opted out entirely. Norway, although agreeing to host a Palestinian donor meeting this spring, clarified it would not join the Board of Peace.
Funding Gaza Reconstruction
President Trump announced that U.S. allies had already pledged over $7 billion toward a Gaza reconstruction fund. The United States committed an additional $10 billion. Contributing countries included Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait.
Board of Peace members attend the inaugural meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Other pledges included:
- Indonesia: 8,000 troops for international security force
- Bahrain: infrastructure and digital services support
- Uzbekistan: rebuilding schools, childcare, hospitals
- Turkey: health, education, police training, troops for ISF
- Morocco: police training and military field hospital
- Egypt and Jordan: police training
- Romania: emergency services and institutional reconstruction
Additionally, FIFA will provide $75 million for soccer projects, and the U.N. will contribute $2 billion for humanitarian aid.
A screen displays an image of FIFA and Board of Peace flags, during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
International Stabilization Force
An International Stabilization Force (ISF) is planned to maintain order in Gaza, led by a U.S. general with an Indonesian deputy. Initial deployments will focus on Israeli-controlled Rafah, training 12,000 police and eventually using 20,000 troops. Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have committed troops, while Egypt and Jordan will train police.
Trump stated that Hamas militants had promised to disarm as part of the reconstruction plan, although disarmament remains uncertain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hamas would face the choice of disarming peacefully or by force. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem emphasized that the real test of the Board of Peace would be ensuring the ceasefire is respected and reconstruction begins.
Board of Peace members attend the inaugural meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Trump’s Style and Diplomacy
The event had a campaign-rally atmosphere, with music including Elvis Presley and James Brown, red MAGA hats for attendees, and Trump frequently praising the physical appearance and accomplishments of leaders on stage. Trump also suggested that the Board of Peace could eventually “look over the United Nations,” though he said the U.N. would be strengthened in the process.
While the meeting focused on Gaza, Trump also addressed Iran, warning that a deal must be reached within 10 days or military options remain on the table.
Criticism and Future Outlook
Critics of the initiative have raised concerns that the Board of Peace could bypass the U.N. and undermine established diplomatic processes. France and other EU members have insisted that clarity and proper mandates are needed before full participation.
Despite the criticism, the Board of Peace is moving forward with pledges, troop commitments, and reconstruction plans
