US President Donald Trump on Thursday gathers allies to inaugurate the “Board of Peace,” his new institution focused on progress in Gaza but whose ambitions reach much further. The “Board of Peace” came together after the Trump administration, teaming up with Qatar and Egypt, negotiated a ceasefire in October to halt two years of devastating war in Gaza. At the “Board of Peace” meeting, Trump is expected to detail pledges of more than $5 billion for Gaza, where the vast majority of buildings lie in rubble and the property-mogul-turned-president has improbably suggested developing resorts. US officials say Thursday’s meeting is about Gaza but have also spoken of the “Board of Peace” in broader, amorphous terms, saying it can address other global hotspots. Japan, usually among the most stalwart US allies, has not decided whether to join the board and will send an envoy handling Gaza.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 19, 2026 10:20 UTC