President Donald Trump is set to host the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” in Washington, which will focus on a reconstruction strategy for Gaza. This meeting will take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace and aims to announce funding for reconstruction efforts in the region.
Key Members and Attendance
The White House has invited 50 countries to participate, with 35 expressing interest. Currently, 26 nations have accepted their invitations and been designated as founding members, while 14 countries have opted out.
- Confirmed Founding Members: U.S., Israel, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Kosovo, and Albania.
- Notable Absences: Major European powers including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain have declined invitations.
- Observers: Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Romania, and the EU’s commissioner for the Mediterranean.
Agenda and Funding Initiatives
The primary focus of this meeting is the reconstruction of Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage due to conflict. The U.S. is anticipated to announce $5 billion in funding from member states for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.
Discussions will also cover the proposed International Stabilization Force aimed at maintaining peace within Gaza, in line with Trump’s previous plan to end hostilities. This plan includes a phased ceasefire, the disarmament of Hamas, and transitional governance for the Palestinian territories.
International Responses and Reactions
The Board of Peace’s formation has sparked controversy, particularly among Western allies. Many in Europe have expressed concerns over the board’s charter and its implications for international governance, especially with leaders like Vladimir Putin being invited.
While the European Union, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has opted out of membership, some EU nations, such as Hungary and Bulgaria, are participating. Observers note that the EU is cautious about aligning too closely with a board perceived to compete with established international bodies.
Middle Eastern Participation
Several Middle Eastern countries have opted to join the Board of Peace, motivated by a mix of pragmatism and a desire to strengthen ties with the U.S. Leaders from Israel and Gulf states, along with countries like Egypt, are sending representatives to Washington.
Experts indicate that regional leaders are navigating domestic pressures regarding their involvement, particularly in light of long-standing support for Palestinian statehood.
Global Implications
As the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace approaches, the outcomes could have significant implications both regionally and globally. With reconstruction costs for Gaza estimated at $70 billion, the board’s ability to secure necessary funds and maintain stability will be scrutinized.
Ultimately, the Board of Peace represents a bid by the U.S. to reshape international dialogue around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while also broadening its focus to potential global conflicts. Observers will closely watch how this initiative unfolds and affects international relations moving forward.
