The inaugural summit of the Board of Peace at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington marked an ambitious moment in contemporary diplomacy. With nearly 50 nations in attendance and more than $17 billion pledged for Gaza’s reconstruction and stabilization, the gathering signaled that the international community is prepared to move from rhetoric to reconstruction.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: The Board of Peace is very generous with money because there's nothing more important or less expensive than peace. pic.twitter.com/Y1xcrK2FdN — Department of State (@StateDept) February 19, 2026

PRESIDENT TRUMP: The Board of Peace is very generous with money because there's nothing more important or less expensive than peace. pic.twitter.com/Y1xcrK2FdN

— Department of State (@StateDept) February 19, 2026

The meeting, presided over by US President Donald Trump, was a serious effort aimed at delivering results. By the conclusion of the event, over $17 billion had been promised for the stabilization and rebuilding of Gaza. The US alone committed $10 billion, with further contributions from partners throughout the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond. The plans for an International Stabilization Force, potentially including up to 20,000 personnel, highlighted that reconstruction would be pursued alongside security guarantees.

World leaders and founding members of the Board of Peace gather for the inaugural meeting at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. pic.twitter.com/F8f67yrlZZ — The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 19, 2026

World leaders and founding members of the Board of Peace gather for the inaugural meeting at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. pic.twitter.com/F8f67yrlZZ

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 19, 2026

President Trump’s address set a defining tone. He described peace as a simple term that requires hard work, framing the BoP as a means of turning diplomatic energy into real results. He pointed to recent efforts to de-escalate conflicts and promote peace as proof that ongoing engagement can disrupt cycles of violence. For Gaza, he highlighted the need for demilitarization, rebuilding, and economic revival as parallel efforts in which security and prosperity go hand in hand.

PRESIDENT TRUMP: I think the Board of Peace is one of the most important and consequential things that I'll be involved in. I've been involved with a lot of the people up here. We work together on ending wars with their country. It's been amazing. pic.twitter.com/plPJl2zTof — Department of State (@StateDept) February 19, 2026

PRESIDENT TRUMP: I think the Board of Peace is one of the most important and consequential things that I'll be involved in.

I've been involved with a lot of the people up here. We work together on ending wars with their country. It's been amazing. pic.twitter.com/plPJl2zTof

— Department of State (@StateDept) February 19, 2026

He stressed the end of the Gaza war, warned of potential military action against Iran if negotiations falter, and emphasized the board’s role in global peacekeeping. “What we’re doing is very simple: peace. It’s called the Board of Peace, and while it’s an easy word to say, it’s a tough one to create — peace.” He called the board the “most prestigious ever assembled,” surpassing corporate boards, and insisted that those who choose not to join “can’t play cute with me.”

Security, prosperity, and........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)