President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is scheduled to hold its first meeting on February 19, with the stated goals of discussing the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire and raising funds for reconstruction of the territory.
A Diverse Membership, Marked by Absences
Trump initially unveiled the plan for the board at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. Initial members include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Pakistan, Turkey, Hungary, Morocco, Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Argentina, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Although, many of the U.S.’s close allies declined to join, reportedly fearing the board would undermine the United Nations and amid reports that permanent membership would be granted to countries contributing $1 billion in cash within the first year.
Fundraising and a Shaky Ceasefire
The first meeting will be held at the Institute of Peace and will focus on fundraising for Gaza’s reconstruction. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a willingness to contribute $1 billion, contingent on the release of Russian assets frozen in the U.S.
The board is convening at a time when the ceasefire in Gaza appears increasingly fragile. On February 4, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 24 Palestinians, many of whom were women and children, according to the Associated Press, following what Israel described as a response to an attack on its soldiers.
Since the ceasefire deal brokered by Trump and mediated by Turkey, Qatar and Egypt went into effect on October 10, 2025, Gaza’s health ministry reports more than 550 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes.
Executive Leadership and Upcoming Meetings
Trump will chair the board. Jared Kushner and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will serve on an “Executive Board” alongside Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, president of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga, national security adviser Robert Gabriel, and Marc Rowan, the CEO of Apollo Global Management.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on February 18, the day before the board’s first meeting, though officials state the meeting will primarily focus on Iran. If Netanyahu attends the Board of Peace meeting, it would mark his first encounter with Arab leaders since before the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stated his intention to attend the February 19 meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace is intended to discuss the next stage of the ceasefire in Gaza and to raise funds for the reconstruction of the territory.
Which countries are members of the Board of Peace?
Initial members include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Pakistan, Turkey, Hungary, Morocco, Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Argentina, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Who will chair the Board of Peace?
President Donald Trump will chair the Board of Peace.
As the Board of Peace prepares to convene, what challenges and opportunities do you foresee in its efforts to address the complex issues facing Gaza?
