Prosper Okoye
United States President Donald Trump has unveiled a new reconstruction initiative for Gaza, presenting it as a model for global governance that operates alongside, rather than through, the United Nations.
At the inaugural meeting of the “Board of Peace” in Washington, DC, Trump described the body as a results-driven coalition, suggesting it could “overlook” the UN to ensure international crisis management “runs properly.” The summit, hosted at the United States Institute for Peace, brought together regional powers, financial institutions, and military partners.
For decades, the UN has been central to managing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The new board, however, signals a US-led approach blending state actors, private capital, and military coordination.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio said existing international mechanisms had failed to resolve the “unique crisis,” while Vice President JD Vance framed the board as proof that decisive leadership can “make peace stick.”
Several European countries expressed caution. France declined participation, citing concerns over UN functions, while the UK, Italy, and Germany sent observers but refused formal membership.
Trump pledged $10bn from the United States, claiming an additional $7bn in contributions from Gulf and Central Asian partners. The World Bank will act as a limited trustee for donor funds, while strategic control remains with the board.
Plans also include a 20,000-strong International Stabilisation Force (ISF), supported by 12,000 local police, with troop pledges from countries including Indonesia, Morocco, Kosovo, and Albania. Egypt and Jordan will assist in police training. Turkey has signalled readiness to deploy forces despite opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The board does not include a UN mandate or direct Palestinian political representation. A Palestinian technocratic body will manage day-to-day operations, while Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani was the only senior leader to explicitly reference Palestinian statehood.
READ ALSO:
Trump Weighs Military Action Against Iran as Diplomacy Continues
Starmer, Trump Discuss Ukraine Peace Talks, Iran Nuclear Negotiations, Gaza Aid
United Nations ECA Opens Up On Shocks Causing Africa’s Stagnation On SDG
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar praised the focus on disarmament and demilitarisation. Critics warn the initiative may struggle without a durable ceasefire or Hamas agreement, and some see it as a test of a new US-driven model for conflict reconstruction.
Trump suggested that if successful, the Board of Peace could be replicated in other “impossible” conflicts, combining US leadership, private capital, and selective military coordination outside traditional UN structures.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
