Trump Convenes First Meeting of 'Board of Peace' with $7 Billion Pledged for Gaza Relief
content-team 
February 19, 2026
President Donald Trump hosted the inaugural meeting of his "Board of Peace" initiative Thursday morning at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., gathering representatives from more than 40 countries and observers from a dozen others to discuss reconstruction and stabilization in Gaza amid a fragile ceasefire. Trump announced that nine member states have pledged a combined $7 billion toward Gaza relief efforts, while five countries have agreed to deploy troops as part of an international stabilization force for the war-torn Palestinian territory.
The U.S. will contribute $10 billion to the Board of Peace, a sum Trump described as "small compared to the cost of war." In opening remarks flanked by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump touted the board as "the best team ever assembled" to oversee the rehabilitation of Gaza and end conflicts around the world. He credited Vance, Rubio, UN Ambassador Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for their roles in the initiative.
Launched by Trump last month, the Board of Peace aims to replace or supplement traditional bodies like the UN Security Council in resolving global conflicts. The Gaza focus stems from Trump's administration's push for a lasting ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Several U.S. allies, including the Vatican, have declined participation over concerns about the board's framework and inclusion of members like Russia and Belarus.
Trump expressed optimism for Gaza's future, stating the board would ensure "peace through strength and smart deals." Vance emphasized pragmatic diplomacy, while Witkoff detailed plans for the stabilization force and reconstruction funding.
Reactions were mixed. European allies expressed skepticism about the board's effectiveness without broader UN involvement, while Palestinian representatives welcomed the relief pledges but called for immediate implementation. Israeli officials have not yet commented publicly on the meeting.
The Board of Peace is expected to reconvene in March to finalize Gaza aid distribution and discuss other global hotspots. Live coverage and statements from the meeting are available on White House channels and partner broadcasters.
