U.S. President Donald Trump chaired the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington, aiming to discuss Phase 2 of his diplomatic strategy regarding the Gaza conflict. The meeting attracted significant international attention, with more than 40 countries along with the European Union confirmed to attend. However, several nations, such as Germany, Italy, Norway, and Switzerland, opted to join as observers, highlighting a divided response to Trump's approach to peace discussions in the region.

Noteworthy attendees included prominent figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The gathering underscores an effort to facilitate dialogue among diverse stakeholders regarding the ongoing issues in Gaza, as well as to potentially reshape the peace negotiations taking place between Israel and Palestine.

As the event unfolds, it remains to be seen how the participation or non-participation of various countries will influence the dynamics of peace efforts in the Middle East. The differing levels of engagement from attending nations may reflect broader geopolitical alignments and the complexities involved in reaching a consensus on solutions for the Gaza crisis. This meeting marks a pivotal point in Trump's efforts to position himself as a mediator amidst a longstanding conflict, which will draw keen interest from both observers and those directly affected in the region.