Trump’s Board of Peace Faces Scrutiny Amid Gaza Base Plans
The inaugural meeting of former President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace took place Thursday in Washington, D.C., as details emerged regarding plans for a substantial military base in southern Gaza. Even as member states reportedly pledged $7 billion for reconstruction in Gaza, and the U.S. Committed an additional $10 billion to the Board, the initiative faces criticism over its governance and potential implications for the region.
Gaza Base and the International Stabilization Force
Leaked contracting documents reveal plans for a sprawling military base in southern Gaza, capable of housing 5,000 personnel, to serve as the headquarters for the International Stabilization Force (ISF). The Guardian reported on these plans, which are situated in an area currently under Israeli control as part of the October ceasefire agreement. The ISF will be comprised of troops from over 20 countries that have signed onto the Board of Peace.
Concerns from Allies and the United Nations
Several major U.S. Allies, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, France, Germany, and Spain, have not joined the Board of Peace, expressing concerns about its structure and potential for undermining the United Nations. Al Jazeera noted these concerns. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated at the Munich Security Conference that the Board of Peace’s plans diverge from the original UN mandate, which stipulated a limited timeframe until 2027, Palestinian representation, and a specific focus on Gaza – elements absent in the Board’s charter.
Trump’s Vision and Funding Questions
During the inaugural meeting, Trump stated the Board of Peace would “strengthen up the United Nations” and “almost be looking over the United Nations and making sure it runs properly.” NPR reported that Trump announced the U.S. Would contribute $10 billion to the Board, but did not detail how this investment would be funded or whether Congress had been consulted. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and advisor, previously unveiled plans for a “New Gaza,” including areas for coastal tourism and residential towers.
Palestinian Perspective and Accusations of Neo-Colonialism
Palestinian-Canadian former peace negotiator Diana Buttu criticized the establishment of the military base as an act of U.S. Occupation, questioning the legitimacy of its construction without Palestinian consent. Organizers from the People’s Forum described the plan as a “petrifying projection of imperialist dystopia” and an attempt to enact neo-colonialism in Gaza through an Israeli and international police force.
Human Remains Protocol and Ongoing Conflict
The contracting documents detail a “Human Remains Protocol” to address the potential discovery of human remains during construction, acknowledging that approximately 10,000 Palestinians are believed to be buried under rubble in Gaza. This comes as Israel’s bombardment of Gaza continues, with the UN Satellite Center reporting that over 75,000 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 81% of all structures damaged since October, with 123,464 buildings classified as “destroyed.”
Board of Peace Membership and Establishment
The Board of Peace was proposed in September 2025 and formally established in January 2026, on the sidelines of the 56th World Economic Forum. According to Wikipedia, as of 2026, 25 of the 62 invited countries have signed the board’s charter. Participating countries are required to contribute US$1 billion to renew membership after the first three years.