Arabic version: قمة ترامب للسلام تواجه الشكوك وسط أزمة غزة
United States President Donald Trump is set to hold his first “Board of Peace” summit in Washington, DC, an event where the US leader likely hopes to prove the recently launched panel can overcome scepticism – even from those who signed on in support – in the face of months of Israeli ceasefire violations in Gaza.
The summit on Thursday comes nearly three months to the day since the UN Security Council approved a US-backed “ceasefire” plan amid Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which included a two-year mandate for the Board of Peace to oversee the devastated Palestinian enclave’s reconstruction and the launch of a so-called International Stabilization Force. As reported by Al Jazeera, the board’s formation has been met with unease, particularly among traditional Western allies. There are fears that the initiative may serve as an attempt to overshadow the United Nations, with some nations questioning the board’s capacity to enact meaningful change in Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.
The absence of Palestinian representation has emerged as a significant hurdle to the board’s effectiveness, with analysts suggesting that any progress hinges on addressing unresolved political issues. Yousef Munayyer, head of the Israel-Palestine programme at the Arab Center Washington DC, emphasized the need for the board to demonstrate its viability by securing commitments from member states.
Trump, who has previously envisioned turning Gaza into a “Middle East Riviera,” struck a positive tone ahead of the meeting, promising $5 billion in funding for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. He indicated that member nations “have committed thousands of personnel to the International Stabilization Force and Local Police to maintain Security and Peace for Gazans.”
However, experts caution that achieving tangible results will be challenging. The board’s success may depend on exerting pressure on Israel to adhere to ceasefire agreements and allow for a stable environment conducive to reconstruction. Additionally, suggestions have been made for including a Palestinian representative to enhance the board’s credibility and effectiveness.
As the summit approaches, the international community watches closely, hoping that the meeting will yield actionable commitments and pave the way for a more stable future in Gaza. However, without a resolution to the ongoing violence and a clear path forward, skepticism about the board’s long-term impact remains prevalent.
