A new international body, the Board of Peace, convenes this Thursday in Washington, signaling a pivotal, yet cautiously optimistic, step toward Gaza’s future. The gathering, spearheaded by President Donald Trump, isn’t anticipated to yield immediate solutions, but rather to lay the groundwork for the complex phases of ceasefire implementation and large-scale reconstruction.
Around twenty nations are expected to participate, focusing on a multi-billion-dollar framework designed to rebuild shattered lives and infrastructure. Discussions will center on coordinating humanitarian aid and potentially deploying an international force to stabilize the region – a monumental undertaking fraught with challenges.
The initiative, first unveiled at the World Economic Forum, has already garnered pledges totaling $5 billion for Gaza’s rebuilding. Several nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Israel, are among the founding members, committing both financial resources and personnel to stabilization efforts.
Indonesia has pledged thousands of troops for a prospective stabilization mission, while Italy plans to train a future Gaza police force. The UAE reaffirmed its dedication to supporting Palestinians and fostering a lasting peace, emphasizing its foundational role within the Board of Peace and the Gaza Executive Board.
However, the path to reconstruction is inextricably linked to security. Analysts emphasize that financial commitments alone won’t suffice; the core issue of Hamas’ disarmament remains the critical, unresolved obstacle. The meeting’s success will be measured by whether participants can unite around a firm stance on this vital point.
Experts caution against expecting immediate results from pledged funds. While commitments are forthcoming, translating them into tangible progress on the ground will be a slow and arduous process. The focus will be on identifying which nations truly deliver on their promises and how those funds are allocated – humanitarian relief, stabilization, or long-term rebuilding.
The sheer scale of the financial challenge is immense. Decades of experience have shown that pledges from Arab nations often go unfulfilled, highlighting the need for concrete action and accountability. Rebuilding Gaza will require sustained, reliable funding over many years.
Israel’s participation, despite initial reservations regarding the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar, underscores the strategic importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the United States. Prime Minister Netanyahu appears to be prioritizing this alliance, navigating a delicate balance between tactical disagreements and broader geopolitical considerations.
The initiative has also raised concerns among some European allies, who have largely chosen not to participate. They cite legal and institutional questions, suggesting the Board of Peace’s charter may conflict with existing U.N. frameworks designed for Gaza’s specific needs.
European leaders point to discrepancies between the U.N. Security Council resolution that initially supported a Gaza-focused body and the Board of Peace’s broader, potentially unbounded mandate. Some argue the new board deviates from the original, time-limited scope envisioned by the U.N.
Despite these concerns, analysts believe the Board of Peace is unlikely to supplant the established U.N. system. Major powers remain deeply invested in the existing multilateral structure, suggesting the initiative will function as a complementary, rather than a replacement, effort.
Ultimately, the administration views this meeting as a sign of continued momentum, a step forward in a long and complex process. It’s not a dramatic breakthrough, but a crucial gathering intended to build consensus and pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future for Gaza.
