Global leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. earlier this week for the inaugural meeting of former U.S. President Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace,' a controversial initiative created to oversee Gaza's ceasefire implementation and reconstruction efforts. The February 19 meeting notably excluded Palestinian representatives, sparking criticism from regional analysts and civil society groups.
Launched in 2025 during Trump's mediation of Israel-Hamas negotiations, the board has drawn mixed international participation. Several key U.S. allies declined to join the initiative, raising questions about its effectiveness in addressing one of Asia's most complex geopolitical challenges through unilateral frameworks.
While the board's stated focus remains humanitarian aid distribution and infrastructure rebuilding, Middle East experts warn that sidelining Palestinian voices risks prolonging tensions. The exclusion comes amid heightened global scrutiny of conflict resolution approaches following recent escalations in Gaza.
