US plans first ‘Board of Peace’ meeting on Gaza in Washington this month

The White House is preparing to hold the first meeting of President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” on February 19, with discussions expected to focus on Gaza, according to media reports.

The reports cited a US official and diplomats from four countries that are part of the board.

According to Axios, the meeting is still in the early planning phase and details may change. It is expected to also serve as a fundraising event aimed at supporting reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

The meeting is planned to take place at the US Institute of Peace in Washington. The report also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House on February 18, one day before the proposed gathering. However, there is no official confirmation about the planned meeting.

President Trump announced the creation of the board in late January, saying he would personally chair it and that its purpose would be to help resolve conflicts around the world. However, the move has raised concerns among many experts, who fear the initiative could weaken the role of the United Nations.

Reactions from governments have been mixed. While several US allies in the Middle East have agreed to take part, many long-standing Western allies have so far chosen not to join the initiative.