President Donald Trump announced Sunday that members of his newly created Board of Peace have pledged $5 billion toward rebuilding Gaza and will commit thousands of personnel to international stabilization and police forces. The pledges are scheduled to be formally announced at the board’s first meeting this Thursday in Washington, D.C.
Board of Peace Mandate
Trump stated that the Board of Peace “will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History.” Initially envisioned as a mechanism to end the war between Israel and Hamas, the board’s mandate has expanded to encompass a broader role in resolving global crises. This development appears to be part of an effort to circumvent the United Nations and reshape the post-World War II international order.
International Involvement
Even as the U.S. Brokered a ceasefire deal on October 10 attempting to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas, the situation remains fragile. Israeli forces continue airstrikes and operations near military zones. Indonesia’s military has indicated it is preparing up to 8,000 troops for a potential deployment to Gaza by the end of June as part of a humanitarian and peace mission – the first firm commitment received by the president. However, few other countries have expressed interest in contributing to a proposed international stabilization force, a key demand from Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently met with Trump at the White House, is not expected to attend Thursday’s meeting. Many of America’s allies in Europe and elsewhere have declined to join the Board of Peace, suspecting it may be an attempt to rival the United Nations Security Council.
U.S. Institute of Peace
The inaugural meeting will be held at the U.S. Institute of Peace, which was renamed the Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace in December. The facility is currently the subject of litigation brought by former employees and executives following the administration’s seizure of the facility and dismissal of most of its staff last year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace was initially focused on ending the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, but its mandate has broadened to include resolving global crises.
When will the pledges for Gaza reconstruction be formally announced?
The pledges will be formally announced at the Board of Peace’s first meeting this Thursday in Washington, D.C.
Which country has made a firm commitment of personnel?
Indonesia’s military has said up to 8,000 troops are expected to be ready for a potential deployment to Gaza by the end of June.
Given the complex political landscape and limited international support, what challenges might the Board of Peace face in achieving its goals?
