Timeline
February 19, 2026 — February 19, 2026
World
Timeline: Trump's Inaugural 'Board of Peace' Meeting on Gaza Reconstruction
On February 19, 2026, President Donald Trump convened the first meeting of his controversial 'Board of Peace' in Washington, bringing together representatives from over 40 countries to address Gaza reconstruction following two years of devastating war. The timeline tracks the buildup to this inaugural meeting, the event itself, and the pledges announced, revealing both support and skepticism from international allies about this new institution that some fear could undermine the UN's traditional role.
10 events · 1 days · 30 source articles
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Minor
Gaza enters Ramadan as Board of Peace meeting looms
As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins, displaced Palestinians struggle to receive food at community kitchens in Gaza's devastated landscape. The timing underscores the humanitarian urgency facing the inaugural Board of Peace meeting scheduled for the following day.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
48 nations confirm participation despite allied skepticism
Representatives from 48 nations prepare to attend the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, including Israel and several Arab countries. However, key US allies remain wary of membership, and the board controversially includes Belarus despite sanctions for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. The EU sends only Mediterranean Commissioner Dubravka Å uica rather than signing up formally.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Initial pledges of $5 billion announced ahead of meeting
Trump announces ahead of the meeting that board members have pledged $5 billion for Gaza reconstruction, though this represents only a fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to rebuild the Palestinian territory. The announcement is part of efforts to demonstrate early momentum for the initiative.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Hamas consolidates control as peace plan faces skepticism
Israeli military assessments reveal that Hamas is cementing its hold over Gaza by placing loyalists in key government roles and collecting taxes, undermining Trump's peace plan that requires the militant group to disarm. This fuels widespread doubt about the Board of Peace's prospects for success.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Meeting convenes against backdrop of regional war preparations
The inaugural Board of Peace meeting begins in Washington with top diplomats from more than two dozen countries joining Trump. The meeting takes place as the Middle East prepares for potential conflict, with the US prepared to strike Iran as early as that weekend, creating a stark contrast to the peace agenda.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Representatives converge at renamed US Institute of Peace building
World leaders and representatives gather at the gleaming Washington building of the former US Institute of Peace, which has been gutted and renamed after Trump. The venue symbolizes Trump's personalized approach to international conflict resolution that aims to become a new standard for such undertakings.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Board of Peace holds first formal session
Trump presides over the meeting in a Cabinet-style format with representatives from more than 40 countries and observers from a dozen more. The session focuses on Gaza's disarmament, demilitarization, reconstruction, and building an international stabilization force. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attends, though Palestinian representatives are notably excluded.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Trump announces $10 billion US pledge plus $7 billion from members
Trump announces that nine Board of Peace members—Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait—have pledged a combined $7 billion for Gaza relief. He also pledges $10 billion from the US, though without specifying what it would fund. The total of approximately $17 billion still represents only a fraction of reconstruction needs.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Five countries commit troops for international stabilization force
Five countries agree to deploy thousands of personnel for an international stabilization force in Gaza, along with local police, to help maintain peace and law and order. The specific countries and troop numbers are announced as part of the comprehensive reconstruction and security package.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Experts call pledges 'a drop in the ocean' as questions remain
Despite the funding announcements, analysts and experts characterize the pledges as insufficient compared to Gaza's massive reconstruction needs. Major questions persist about how the money will be used, what Trump is trying to achieve with the board, and whether it can succeed while Hamas maintains control. Concerns grow that the initiative could undermine the UN's role in global diplomacy.
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