Washington Prepares Gaza Peace Meeting on Feb 19

The United States is arranging a gathering in Washington that will bring together leaders who will head a new Board of Peace focused on Gaza. The event, scheduled for February 19, will take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace and double as a fundraiser to support rebuilding efforts in Gaza. The White House has not yet confirmed the details, and changes are still possible.

Context

• Trump’s Initiative: The meeting follows a plan announced by former President Donald Trump in late January. Trump says the board will address global conflicts, but many observers worry that it could weaken the United Nations’ role.
• International Backing: While some Middle‑Eastern allies have accepted the invitation, many traditional Western partners remain cautious and have not joined.
• UN Resolution: The board’s creation was approved by a U.N. Security Council resolution in November, which also allowed for an international stabilization force in Gaza.

Current Situation

• Ceasefire Fragility: A fragile ceasefire began in October under Trump’s mediation, when Israel and Hamas agreed to pause fighting. Since then, more than 550 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have died.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Israel’s offensive on Gaza since late 2023 has caused widespread devastation. Over 71,000 Palestinians have died, the region faces a severe hunger crisis, and many residents are internally displaced. Human rights experts describe the situation as genocide; Israel claims its actions are defensive in response to attacks that killed 1,200 people and seized 250 hostages.

Criticisms

• Colonial‑Control Allegations: Rights advocates criticize the board’s structure, arguing that having a U.S. former president supervise affairs in Gaza resembles colonial control and is unfair for not including Palestinian representatives.
• Potential Human Rights Abuses: The board’s mandate includes monitoring temporary governance in Gaza, but critics fear it could lead to further human rights abuses.

Upcoming Events

• Netanyahu’s Visit: The planned meeting follows a high‑profile visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House on February 18, a day before the board’s conference.
• Official Silence: Both the White House and the State Department have declined to comment on the event.

Debate

The debate over the board’s legitimacy continues, with many questioning whether it will truly promote peace or simply impose external control over a conflict‑torn region.