Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that member states of his newly created Board of Peace have pledged more than $5 billion for humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by years of conflict.

This announcement comes just days before the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, scheduled to take place Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C. at the renamed Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace.

Trump, who serves as the chairman of the Board, has called the group a “most consequential International Body” that could reshape how global peace and reconstruction efforts are managed.

What Is the Board of Peace?

The Board of Peace is a new international body proposed and driven by Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader effort to promote peace, stability, and reconstruction in conflict‑affected regions — starting with Gaza. It was formally announced early this year after Trump unveiled its charter at international gatherings and through diplomatic channels.

The initiative aims to go beyond traditional diplomacy, potentially offering a U.S.–led alternative or supplement to United Nations mechanisms by inviting countries to commit funds, personnel, and strategic support for both reconstruction and stabilization.

Who Has Pledged Support?

Trump said the more than $5 billion pledged will support both rebuilding infrastructure and humanitarian needs in Gaza, which has been left in ruins after years of conflict between Israel and Hamas.

He also noted that member nations are ready to commit thousands of personnel to contribute to an international stabilization force and local policing efforts in the enclave a vital step toward maintaining peace and security after the initial reconstruction phase.

So far, Indonesia has publicly confirmed plans to deploy up to 8,000 troops by mid‑2026 to support humanitarian and peace operations under the Board’s framework.

Why This Matters

The pledges come amidst an uneasy peace in Gaza, where a U.S.‑brokered ceasefire has reduced but not ended sporadic violence and airstrikes between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups. Reconstruction needs in Gaza are enormous — estimated at about $70 billion by institutions like the United Nations, World Bank, and European Union.

Trump’s Board of Peace now steps into a gap in global efforts, attempting to marshal international financing and strategic coordination for rebuilding efforts that many nations have so far been reluctant to fully support through traditional U.N. channels.

Who Will Attend the First Meeting?

More than 20 member states have been invited to the first official gathering, but it’s unclear which leaders will attend. Key regional figures such as Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have confirmed participation, emphasizing humanitarian focus and civilian protection in Gaza.

Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not expected to participate in the inaugural session, even after recent meetings with Trump in Washington.

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Potential Impact and Global Reactions

The Board’s approach has drawn attention beyond the immediate pledges:

  • Some Western allies have been cautious or declined membership, worrying the initiative could compete with or undermine long‑standing international organizations like the United Nations.

  • The expansion of the Board’s mandate to broader global conflict resolution beyond Gaza has sparked debate about America’s role in post‑war reconstruction and peacekeeping worldwide.

If successful, the Board could become a new arena for cooperation between countries with divergent views on the Middle East, potentially influencing how post‑conflict reconstruction is financed and managed elsewhere.

Looking Ahead

As the first official session convenes, all eyes will be on Washington, D.C., to see which countries formalize pledges and how the Board’s strategy evolves beyond Gaza. The meeting is also expected to address details on stabilization forces, civil policing plans, and mechanisms for distributing reconstruction funds all crucial for any lasting peace and rebuilding effort.