Trump to hold first Board of Peace meeting as some allies remain skeptical

President Donald Trump will host the inaugural Board of Peace meeting Thursday with officials from more than two dozen countries and the board has announced a US$5 billion pledge for Gaza reconstruction while the ceasefire remains fragile.

President Donald Trump will convene the first meeting of his Board of Peace on Thursday with representatives from dozens of countries. The board grew out of a 20-point peace plan and is focused on Gaza reconstruction and an international stabilization force. Board members have pledged US$5 billion for rebuilding Gaza, a fraction of the estimated US$70 billion need. Some U.S. allies have declined to join the board and others plan to attend as observers, expressing reservations. Key points: - More than 40 countries and the European Union are reported to be sending officials to the meeting, and over two dozen countries have joined the Board of Peace. - Board members announced a combined pledge of US$5 billion for Gaza reconstruction; independent estimates cited in reports put the overall need near US$70 billion. - Central meeting topics include plans for an armed international stabilization force and measures for disarming Hamas; only Indonesia has so far offered a firm commitment to the proposed force, and reports say Hamas has given little sign of readiness to demilitarize. - Some countries named as non-members, including Germany, Italy, Norway and Switzerland, are expected to attend as observers; the Vatican said the UN should manage such crises, and U.S. officials publicly defended the new board. Summary: The inaugural meeting will center on reconstruction plans and proposals for an international stabilization force while the Gaza ceasefire remains fragile and funding gaps persist. Officials expect updates from the Gaza Executive Board on efforts to establish governance and services in the territory. Undetermined at this time.