President Donald Trump is preparing to roll out a multi-billion-dollar reconstruction plan for Gaza, along with a U.N.-authorized stabilization force, at the first formal meeting of his newly created Board of Peace next week. And yes, this is what leadership with a capital “L” looks like.
Two senior U.S. officials told Reuters that delegations from at least 20 countries, including numerous heads of state, are expected to attend the meeting in Washington, D.C., which Trump will chair on Feb. 19. Not exactly a backyard barbecue—more like global diplomacy on a grand stage.
Trump signed the documents creating the Board of Peace in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 23. The board’s creation was later endorsed by a United Nations Security Council resolution as part of his Gaza plan. Regional powers such as Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, along with emerging nations like Indonesia, have joined the board, while traditional Western allies are still warming up to the idea. Change is hard for some people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed during his visit to Washington that Israel has joined the board. Despite some concerns that the board might expand its mission beyond Gaza, U.S. officials stressed the meeting will focus strictly on the Palestinian enclave.
A central feature of the meeting will be Trump’s announcement of a multi-billion-dollar fund for Gaza’s reconstruction. The fund will include financial contributions from participating countries. One official described the offers as “generous” and said the United States did not even have to ask for donations—apparently leadership attracts investors, too.
“People have come to us offering,” the official said. “The president will make announcements vis-à-vis the money raised.” Translation: the checkbooks are already opening.
Another key part of the plan is the deployment of an International Stabilization Force. Several countries are expected to contribute several thousand troops in the coming months. This follows the first phase of Trump’s Gaza strategy, which led to a fragile ceasefire on Oct. 10, the release of hostages by Hamas, and the freeing of detained Palestinians by Israel.
Disarming Hamas remains a priority. Under Trump’s plan, fighters who agree to peaceful coexistence and surrender their weapons will receive amnesty. Those who want to leave Gaza will be given safe passage to receiving countries. It’s a carrot-and-stick approach—minus the endless speeches and plus actual results.
The Board of Peace will also receive reports from the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, which has taken over civil governance from Hamas and held its first meeting in January. Additional updates will address humanitarian aid and the formation of a Gaza police force.
Once again, Trump is proving that peace doesn’t come from endless talk—it comes from action, funding, and firm rules. While critics wring their hands, this plan shows what real diplomacy looks like: rebuilding, stabilizing, and giving people a chance at a future. And for once, the world might just follow America’s lead.
