Trump rolling out Gaza aid at first Board of Peace meeting

Nearly 50 countries sent representatives to the Board of Peace’s inaugural meeting on Thursday. The international organization, which is spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to discuss the next stages of the ceasefire in Gaza. Trump created the board to oversee reconstruction, security, and postwar governance of the Gaza Strip. The president is expected to say that member states have pledged over $5 billion towards Gaza humanitarian and reconstruction efforts.

Trump said in opening remarks that Thursday’s meeting is full of the world’s greatest leaders. The meeting is held in the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C.

What are some of the countries attending the meeting? While the board consists of roughly 20 member countries, dozens more will be in attendance at Thursday’s meeting. Germany, Italy, Norway, and Switzerland are among those that have not joined the board but are attending, according to a White House pool report shared with WORLD.

A few of those notably missing from the summit, however, include France, Canada, and the Vatican. These countries have voiced concern that Trump may be using the board to challenge the role of the United Nations. Other goals that Trump has mentioned for the organization include interventions in Ukraine, Nigeria, and Egypt.

Dig deeper: Listen to Mary Muncy’s report on the future of the board.