On Thursday, February 19, United States President Donald Trump hosted a gathering in Washington to kick off the Board of Peace. This new organization aims to make progress on issues related to Gaza but has wider goals as well. Approximately 20 world leaders and senior officials attended the event, including some of Trump’s authoritarian allies, while few European democrats, who usually support U.S. initiatives, were present. The Board of Peace was formed after the Trump administration collaborated with Qatar and Egypt to broker a ceasefire in October, ending two years of intense conflict in Gaza. The U.S. claims that the plan is now moving into its second phase, which focuses on disarming Hamas, the Palestinian militant group responsible for the significant attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. According to Gaza’s health ministry, which is under Hamas control, Israeli forces have killed at least 601 people since the ceasefire began. During the Board of Peace meeting, Trump is expected to announce commitments of over $5 billion for Gaza, where most buildings are in ruins. The former property mogul has even suggested the idea of creating resorts there. The meeting will also discuss the establishment of an International Stabilization Force to maintain security in Gaza. Indonesia, the largest Muslim-majority nation, is a crucial participant and has expressed readiness to send up to 8,000 troops if the force is approved. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will attend the inaugural meeting in Gaza after participating in the launch at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month.
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