US Plans Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ Meeting in Washington
Washington, D.C. – The White House is preparing the first leaders’ meeting for President Donald Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace” focused on Gaza, Axios reported Friday. The report cited a US official and diplomats from four countries serving on the board.
The meeting is scheduled for February 19 at the US Institute of Peace in Washington and will also function as a fundraising conference for Gaza reconstruction. Plans remain in the early stages and could still change.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet Trump at the White House on February 18, one day before the planned board meeting. The White House and the State Department did not respond to requests for comment.
Background of the Board
Trump launched the board in late January, announcing that he will chair it. He described its goal as resolving global conflicts, raising concerns among experts that it could undermine the United Nations. While some Middle Eastern allies have joined the initiative, many traditional Western partners have opted out.
A UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November authorized the board to establish an international stabilization force in Gaza. This came after a fragile ceasefire began in October under Trump’s plan, which both Israel and Hamas agreed to.
Controversy and Criticism
Under Trump’s Gaza plan, the board is tasked with supervising Gaza’s temporary governance and may expand to address other global conflicts. Rights experts have criticized the structure as resembling a colonial system, particularly because it does not include any Palestinian representatives.
The ceasefire in Gaza has been repeatedly violated. Since October, more than 550 Palestinians have died, while Israel’s assault on Gaza since late 2023 has killed over 71,000, caused severe food shortages, and displaced the entire population.
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