When Donald Trump gathers world representatives on Thursday for the inaugural meeting of his newly created Board of Peace, the format is expected to look familiar.
According to a US official, Trump plans to run it much like one of his Cabinet meetings — only instead of secretaries, he’ll be joined by foreign delegations from across the globe.
Among them: Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Hungary and even Belarus — despite Belarus facing US and European sanctions for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.
But many of America’s traditional European allies are notably absent.
Who’s Speaking — And What’s at Stake
Expected speakers include:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Senior adviser Jared Kushner
- US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz
- Special envoy Steve Witkoff
- Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
- High Representative Nickolay Mladenov
Countries attending were initially told they would have two minutes to speak — though that window is reportedly shrinking to 90 seconds per delegation.
Trump has previewed major announcements, including:
- Billions of dollars for Gaza reconstruction
- Thousands of personnel for an International Stabilization Force (ISF)
- Broader ambitions beyond Gaza
In a recent statement, Trump said the Board would go “far beyond Gaza,” while insisting it is working “in conjunction” with the United Nations.
Still, some in the international community worry the body may function as a counterweight to the UN — especially given Trump’s past criticism of it.
Iran Overshadows the Meeting
Hovering over the entire gathering: Iran.
As US military presence in the Middle East grows, the possibility of US military action against Iran looms large. Trump has warned of potential strikes if a nuclear agreement is not reached soon.
Diplomats attending the meeting are expected to discuss Iran on the sidelines — with many emphasizing that military escalation would destabilize a region that contains roughly 30% of the world’s oil supply and critical global trade routes.
“It’s not anybody’s preference to see military action,” one diplomat noted privately.
Membership Questions and Missing Allies
More than 20 countries are expected to attend, including:
- Israel
- Indonesia
- Pakistan
- United Arab Emirates
- Saudi Arabia
However, many are sending foreign ministers or lower-level officials instead of heads of state — in part due to the start of Ramadan.
Meanwhile, several major European nations have declined membership altogether, citing concerns over the Board’s mission and structure. Russia and China were reportedly invited but have not joined.
One major sticking point: permanent membership requires a $1 billion financial commitment — a threshold many countries have yet to publicly meet.
The Gaza Plan: Big Promises, Unanswered Questions
Trump posted on Truth Social that member states have pledged more than $5 billion toward Gaza reconstruction and committed thousands of personnel to security forces.
Yet no country has publicly confirmed funding totals or troop commitments.
The proposed ISF — reportedly envisioned at 20,000 soldiers — would deploy under a UN-backed mandate to:
- Support a Palestinian police force
- Facilitate Israeli withdrawal
- Help stabilize Gaza
One of the most complex issues remains unresolved: the demilitarization of Hamas.
Diplomats suggest reconstruction and troop deployment may proceed on parallel tracks while negotiations on Hamas continue — a process widely expected to take years.
Regional allies have privately expressed concern about funding reconstruction if renewed Israeli military operations could undo progress. US officials have reportedly offered assurances to prevent that scenario.
A Defining Moment for Trump’s Foreign Policy?
The Board of Peace reflects Trump’s effort to pursue foreign policy goals without full backing from America’s closest allies.
Supporters argue he is uniquely positioned to pressure leaders — including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — toward progress.
Critics question whether the initiative duplicates or undermines established international institutions.
For now, Thursday’s meeting is being described as “exploratory.”
But with billions of dollars, potential troop deployments and regional stability at stake, the outcome could shape not just Gaza’s future — but the direction of US foreign policy itself.
