Trump to Attend First Board of Peace Meeting

US President Donald Trump is set to hold his first “Board of Peace” summit in Washington, DC. The event is expected to take place on Thursday, nearly three months after the UN Security Council approved a US-backed ceasefire plan for Gaza.

The Board of Peace was established with a two-year mandate to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and launch an International Stabilization Force. However, several countries have expressed concerns about the board’s ability to make meaningful change in Gaza due to its lack of Palestinian representation.

Regional Middle East powers have joined the board, including Israel, which became a member in early February. The board currently has no Palestinian representation, which is seen as a major obstacle to finding a lasting path forward.

Analysts say that Trump hopes to use the summit to demonstrate the board’s progress and show its potential for positive change. However, some experts question whether the board can overcome skepticism and achieve meaningful results without clearer resolutions to key political questions.

The Board of Peace currently remains an option for parties interested in improving the lives of Palestinians in Gaza. Its members include regional players who have joined with concerns over the future of the region and the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Trump has previously envisioned a positive outcome for the board, stating that it would prove to be the “most consequential International Body in History.” He also announced plans to pledge $5 billion in funding towards humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera