The Trump Board of Peace will hold its first leaders’ meeting on February 19, a U.S. government official confirmed on Saturday. The meeting marks the formal launch of President Donald Trump’s new international initiative.
Earlier, Axios first reported the planned gathering. According to the report, the meeting will also serve as a fundraising conference for Gaza’s reconstruction. However, U.S. officials shared few details beyond the confirmed date.
A government official later told Reuters that the meeting is scheduled for February 19. At the same time, the official directed further questions to the White House. However, the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to Axios, the meeting will take place at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. Notably, at least one world leader has already confirmed attendance.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he will travel to Washington to attend the meeting. He made the announcement during a campaign event in the western Hungarian city of Szombathely.
Trump to hold first Board of Peace meeting this month as it seeks to rebuild a decimated Gaza https://t.co/uBihGCyz14 pic.twitter.com/VpfPxWN4b7
— New York Post (@nypost) February 7, 2026Orban remains one of Trump’s closest allies within the European Union. As a result, his participation gives the initiative early international visibility.
Trump launched the Board of Peace in late January. At the time, he said the body would focus on resolving global conflicts. Initially, the board centred on Gaza.
Later, Trump expanded the board’s mandate. He said it would also address broader international disputes.
Meanwhile, some foreign policy experts have raised concerns. They argue that the initiative could weaken the United Nations’ role in conflict resolution.
Governments around the world have responded cautiously. While several Middle Eastern allies have joined, many Western allies have stayed away so far.
President Trump set to host first Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ meeting on Feb. 19 https://t.co/XkqY5rS7xa
— The Hill (@thehill) February 7, 2026In addition, permanent membership reportedly requires a $1 billion contribution. Critics say this requirement limits broad international participation.
Previously, a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November authorised the board and partner countries to establish an international stabilisation force in Gaza. Soon after, a fragile ceasefire began in October under a Trump-backed plan accepted by Israel and Hamas.
Under that plan, the board was expected to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance. However, Trump later said the board would take on a wider global role.
At the same time, rights experts have criticised the board’s structure. They argue it resembles colonial governance models. Moreover, they point to the absence of Palestinian representation.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire in Gaza remains unstable. Reports indicate repeated violations since October. As a result, hundreds of Palestinians and several Israeli soldiers have died since the truce began.
An Israeli government spokesperson did not immediately respond to questions about the upcoming meeting. Similarly, officials offered no comment on the board’s future role in Gaza.
Ultimately, the February 19 meeting is expected to clarify how the Board of Peace will operate. It may also reveal how much international support the initiative can attract.
