Washington D.C. – In a bold move signaling a new phase in international diplomacy, former President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his newly established Board of Peace at the United States Institute of Peace headquarters on Thursday. The session unveiled substantial funding commitments and a detailed outline for reconstruction efforts in Gaza, marking a significant, albeit controversial, intervention in the ongoing regional complexities.
The Board of Peace initiative, initially announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, is presented as the second stage of Trump’s previously U.N.-endorsed 20-point peace plan for Gaza. Invitations were extended to a diverse array of nations, though participation has been met with notable hesitation from key U.S. allies. Concerns center on the potential for the Board to circumvent the established role of the United Nations and reports suggesting that permanent membership is contingent upon a $1 billion cash contribution within the first year, raising questions about the potential for undue influence from authoritarian regimes. Reports have fueled these anxieties.
The Board of Peace: A New Framework for Gaza Reconstruction
The meeting itself brought together a high-profile group, including Trump, serving as chairman; Vice President J.D. Vance; Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner; Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; and representatives from participating countries. Notably, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was the sole attendee not directly involved in political office. Trump opened the proceedings with praise for board members while sharply criticizing nations that have declined to participate, accusing them of “playing cute.”
$10 Billion U.S. Commitment to Gaza
A cornerstone of the meeting was Trump’s announcement of a $10 billion contribution from the United States to the Board of Peace. “The Board of Peace is showing how a better future can be built, starting right here in this room,” Trump stated. “I want to let you know that the United States is going to make a contribution of $10 billion to the Board of Peace.”
The former President did not specify whether his administration has secured formal congressional approval for these funds, a necessary step for such a substantial allocation. He downplayed potential hurdles, asserting, “We’ve had great support for that number. That number is a very small number. When you look at that compared to the cost of war, that’s two weeks of fighting, it’s a very small number.”
International Stabilization Force Takes Shape
General Jasper Jeffers, appointed commander of the planned International Stabilization Force (ISF) for Gaza, revealed that Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have pledged troops to the force. Egypt and Jordan have committed to providing police training. “For the last few months, we’ve had a team on the ground of U.S. military experts preparing the infrastructure for the ISF,” Jeffers explained. “This team is already operating from a combined joint operation center that’s going to be the headquarters for the entire ISF.”
The ISF will initially focus operations in Rafah, with a midterm objective of expanding sector by sector to ultimately comprise 12,000 police officers and 20,000 soldiers. Indonesia will serve as the deputy commander of the ISF.
$7 Billion in Relief Pledges and Broader Support
Trump announced that nine countries – Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait – have collectively pledged over $7 billion toward relief efforts in Gaza. These pledges arrive amidst a fragile cease-fire following the initial phases of Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Challenges to the plan remain significant.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, 603 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes since the cease-fire deal, brokered by Trump and mediated by Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, came into effect on October 10, 2025. Independent data corroborates these figures.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance has agreed to raise an additional $2 billion for Gaza support. Japan will host fundraising events, with anticipated participation from South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, China, and Russia. FIFA will also contribute $75 million to projects within Gaza.
A Shift in Power Dynamics? The Board of Peace and the U.N.
Trump suggested a potentially significant shift in the relationship between the Board of Peace and the United Nations, stating, “The United Nations is going to be much stronger, and the Board of Peace is going to almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly.”
This assertion comes as U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has warned of the organization’s “imminent financial collapse” unless member states address funding rules or fulfill outstanding dues. The U.S. currently owes $2.196 billion to the U.N.’s regular operating budget, including $767 million for this year. The financial strain on the U.N. is a critical issue.
Trump pledged to strengthen the U.N. and provide financial assistance, though specific amounts were not disclosed.
Iran Remains a Focal Point of Concern
Throughout the meeting, Trump repeatedly characterized Iran as a “threat” to regional stability. “Now is the time for Iran to join us on a path that will complete what we’re doing, and if they join us, that will be great. If they don’t join us, that will be great too, but it will be a very different path,” he said. “They cannot continue to threaten the stability of the entire region, and they must make a deal. If that doesn’t happen, maybe I can understand, but bad things will happen.”
The warning coincides with mounting speculation about potential U.S. military action against Iran, accompanied by an expanded U.S. military presence in the region. Trump confirmed the order of 22 additional B-2 stealth bombers, the same aircraft previously used to strike Iranian nuclear sites. “We do have some work to do with Iran. They can’t have a nuclear weapon. It’s very simple,” Trump said. “They can’t have peace in the Middle East if they have a nuclear weapon. And they can’t have a nuclear weapon. And they’ve been told that very strongly.”
Trump indicated that a decision regarding a potential deal or further action is expected within the next 10 days. Meanwhile, Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie are seeking a vote to limit the President’s authority to use force against Iran without congressional approval. This effort echoes a similar failed attempt last June.
What impact will the Board of Peace have on the long-term stability of the region? And can the U.S. effectively navigate the complex geopolitical landscape without broader international consensus?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Board of Peace
- What is the primary goal of the Trump Board of Peace? The Board of Peace aims to facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction and establish a lasting peace framework, building upon the former President’s 20-point peace plan.
- How much funding has been pledged to the Board of Peace? As of the inaugural meeting, pledges total over $17 billion, including $10 billion from the United States and $7 billion from nine other nations.
- Which countries have committed troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF)? Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have pledged troops, while Egypt and Jordan will provide police training.
- What is the Board of Peace’s stance on the United Nations? The Board of Peace intends to work alongside the U.N., but also aims to provide oversight and strengthen the organization’s effectiveness.
- What is the U.S. position regarding Iran’s nuclear program? The U.S. maintains that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon, and a decision on further action is expected within the next 10 days.
- What are the concerns surrounding the Board of Peace’s membership requirements? Concerns exist that the $1 billion membership fee could allow authoritarian governments to exert undue influence within the Board.
Disclaimer: This article provides news and analysis on a complex geopolitical situation. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or medical advice.
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