Trump’s Board of Peace Meets in Washington Amid Gaza Ceasefire Strain

US President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace” is scheduled to convene in Washington, D.C. for the first time, marking an early test of a major foreign policy initiative aimed at stabilising the Gaza Strip and reshaping global conflict diplomacy.

The meeting comes at a time of fragile ceasefire conditions, ongoing violence, and uncertainty surrounding postwar governance and reconstruction.

Ambitious Vision Faces Ground Realities

The initiative seeks to guide Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, and long-term security while offering an alternative diplomatic framework to traditional international mechanisms.

However, progress on the ground remains limited. Near-daily strikes continue, humanitarian conditions remain severe, and critical ceasefire steps — including disarmament and deployment of international forces — have yet to materialise.

Analysts warn that without tangible improvements, the board’s credibility could quickly weaken.

International Participation and Political Tensions

More than two dozen nations have reportedly joined as founding members. The group includes Israel and several regional stakeholders, along with countries outside the Middle East.

Some US allies, including France, Norway and Sweden, have declined participation.

The involvement of Qatar and Turkey has drawn concern from Israeli officials due to their ties with Hamas, while Palestinians have objected to the absence of direct representation despite the board discussing Gaza’s future.

Reconstruction Plans and Funding Questions

Trump has said participating countries pledged $5 billion toward rebuilding Gaza and could provide peacekeeping personnel. However, detailed funding commitments and the meeting agenda have not been made public.

Reconstruction proposals promoted by Trump allies, including Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff, envision transforming Gaza into a modern economic and tourism hub. Estimates from international institutions suggest rebuilding could cost around $70 billion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated reconstruction cannot proceed until Hamas disarms, leaving civilians in uncertainty.

Ceasefire Conditions and Security Challenges

The ceasefire agreement has paused major operations, enabled hostage releases, and increased aid deliveries. However, key provisions remain unresolved.

The deal envisions Hamas surrendering weapons and Israeli forces withdrawing as international forces deploy to maintain stability. Disarmament remains a major sticking point, with Hamas offering conditional proposals while Israel insists on full demilitarisation.

Proposal for International Stabilisation Force

Plans include a temporary international stabilisation force composed of troops from Arab and Muslim-majority countries to support a new Palestinian police force and secure aid delivery.

Countries considering participation insist their role be peacekeeping rather than enforcing disarmament. Indonesia has reportedly begun training personnel for potential deployment.

Governance and Political Transition

Under the ceasefire framework, Hamas is expected to transfer authority to a transitional Palestinian administrative committee. Former UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov has been named to oversee the process.

However, the committee has yet to enter Gaza, and implementation remains stalled.

A Critical Test for Diplomacy

The Board of Peace represents an ambitious attempt to reshape conflict resolution and Gaza’s future governance. Yet its success depends on immediate humanitarian relief, security guarantees, and political compromise.

With violence continuing and ceasefire terms unresolved, the meeting is seen as a critical moment in determining whether diplomatic innovation can succeed in one of the world’s most complex conflicts.