A stunted start marks the inaugural Board for Peace in Gaza |
Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” inaugurated in early 2026 to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and potentially supplant UN roles, began with low expectations and limited attendance, as many U.S. allies opted out. While 26 countries joined the charter, only 19 attended the initial, vaguely detailed meeting, which was criticized as a “masterclass in branding” rather than an established diplomatic force.
Many countries, including major U.S. allies, did not attend the initial meeting. Nearly half of the invited nations held off on signing the charter. Originally intended for Gaza rebuilding, the board expanded to potentially oversee the United Nations, with Trump as chair for life, wielding significant veto power.
The board saw a $10 billion pledge from the U.S. for Gaza and, by its first day, 9 members pledged $7 billion for relief. The board has been described as a “fascinating experiment in monetizing international legitimacy” and a “corporate board meeting” rather than a traditional diplomatic body. India was invited but did not attend, with reports indicating it was still examining the proposal, while others like Pakistan accepted the invitation.
Trump can try to dictate and be a deal-maker. He cannot, however, replace the United Nations. That’s utter nonsense and the idea will be stillborn. At best, the BOP is doomed to an early death, if things go a little better for Trump.
Trump can try to dictate and be a deal-maker. He cannot, however, replace the United Nations. That’s utter nonsense and the idea will be stillborn. At best, the BOP is doomed to an early death, if things go a little better for Trump.
The initiative remains under scrutiny, with critics questioning its ability to replace established UN mechanisms. There are too many empty chairs. Trump does not like that because in his school master-like role, he is ordering the absentees to stop “being cute”. Trump can try to dictate and be a deal-maker. He cannot replace the United Nations. That’s utter nonsense and the idea will be stillborn. At best, the (Board for Peace) BOP is doomed to an early death, if things go a little better for Trump.
Nor does the BOP have that kind of people with diplomatic skills, knowledge of the region, cultural sensitivities, and........