President Donald Trump is preparing to hold an inaugural meeting on Thursday with representatives from more than two dozen countries, both members and non-members of his newly established Peace Board aimed at addressing the aftermath of the war in Gaza. The key topics of discussion are expected to include international stabilization efforts and reconstruction of the war-torn region, where a fragile ceasefire remains in effect. Trump has announced that board members have pledged a total of $5 billion towards rebuilding Gaza, which is only a small fraction of the estimated $70 billion needed to fully restore the Palestinian territory after two years of conflict.

In light of this significant funding gap, there are concerns about the effectiveness of the Peace Board and the willingness of global leaders to commit further resources, as highlighted by Trump's remarks regarding the composition of the board. He asserted that some of the world's best leaders have come together for this mission, but historical context reveals a pattern of skepticism among allies about U.S.-led initiatives in the region. Many allies are cautious and uncertain about the outcomes expected from this initiative, wary about contributing to a process that has often faced criticism for lack of tangible results.

As the meeting approaches, the broader implications of these discussions on the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East remain to be seen. The commitment of international police and stabilization forces to Gaza is critical, especially given the tense atmosphere and the need for stable governance. Trump's assertion of strong leadership in the Peace Board could face scrutiny if substantial actionable commitments do not emerge from this gathering, especially in the face of entrenched distrust and differing international agendas surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.