According to reports, the first meeting is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., on February 19, with U.S. officials and diplomats from four participating countries expected to attend. The gathering will also serve as a fundraising event aimed at mobilising international support for Gaza’s reconstruction under a U.S.-led peace initiative.

The Board of Peace was created by President Trump to oversee peace building and governance mechanisms in Gaza, operating under what the administration has described as a new international framework for conflict resolution. While details of the board’s mandate and membership remain limited, officials say discussions are ongoing regarding additional participants and long-term structures.

Reports have also suggested that the Board of Peace could eventually assume responsibilities traditionally handled by multilateral institutions, fuelling speculation that it may seek to replace or bypass existing United Nations mechanisms a claim that has not been formally confirmed by U.S. authorities.

If Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the meeting, it would mark his first engagement with Arab and Muslim leaders since the October 7, 2023 attacks, a development analysts say could carry significant diplomatic weight.

The upcoming meeting comes amid heightened international focus on Gaza’s future governance, regional stability, and the role of global powers in shaping a post-conflict political order.

The meeting, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, marked the second day of key U.S. diplomatic engagements and underscored the close ties between Washington and Jerusalem. Officials said discussions were likely to have significant implications for the future of the region, given the scope and sensitivity of the topics under consideration.

Among the key issues on the agenda were the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Iran’s military posture and rearmament efforts, and the role of Hezbollah in Lebanon. The leaders were also expected to discuss the future of relations with Syria’s new government, a developing issue that could reshape regional alliances and security dynamics.

Trump and Netanyahu have maintained a close political relationship, with both leaders emphasizing a hardline approach toward Iran and militant groups aligned against Israel. Analysts say the Florida talks could influence U.S. policy decisions on military support, diplomatic engagement, and regional deterrence strategies.

The meeting comes at a time of heightened instability across the Middle East, with continued fighting in Gaza, rising tensions along Israel’s northern border, and growing concerns among Western and regional powers about Iran’s influence through proxy groups.

Neither side released detailed statements following the meeting, but officials indicated that further consultations were expected as Washington weighs its next steps in the region. Observers say outcomes from the talks could shape diplomatic and security developments across the Middle East in the months ahead.

Trump’s proposal is driven by the desire to transform Gaza into a prosperous and stable region. “The U.S. will take charge of Gaza and provide the infrastructure and resources needed to create a thriving economy, while ensuring Palestinians are given the opportunity to resettle in more peaceful environments,” Trump said during the press conference. This marks a drastic shift in how the Gaza conflict could be approached, focusing on economic development and regional stability rather than prolonged political gridlock.

Supporters of the plan argue that it offers a fresh approach to a longstanding issue, emphasizing rebuilding and renewal over political stalemate. By directly addressing the humanitarian needs of Gaza’s population, the proposal presents an opportunity to break the cycle of violence and poverty that has plagued the region for decades. Many experts believe this economic revitalization could foster peace in the region by offering a more sustainable future for Palestinians and promoting long-term stability in Gaza.

While the announcement has stirred controversy, it also opens the door for a new chapter in Middle East peace efforts. By putting a strong emphasis on rebuilding infrastructure, creating jobs, and offering economic support, Trump’s plan could potentially lead to a brighter future for Gaza one that focuses on healing and growth.

As the international community processes this unexpected proposal, it remains to be seen how it will shape future peace initiatives. But for many, Trump’s decision offers hope for a more prosperous and peaceful Gaza, paving the way for a future built on economic success and stability.

While the initial ceasefire brought relief to both sides, there have been mixed reactions from various stakeholders, with questions surrounding its sustainability and the future path towards peace. Recently, two Hamas officials indicated the group’s willingness to engage in further discussions on the specifics of the second phase, a development that could signal the potential for a more permanent cessation of hostilities.

Netanyahu’s Washington visit comes at a time of significant diplomatic efforts, as both Israel and Hamas seek to ensure that the truce holds. Netanyahu is expected to extend his stay in Washington, with plans to return to Israel on Saturday, allowing for more discussions with U.S. officials about the next steps in this delicate situation. According to local reports, the Israeli Prime Minister is expected to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss broader Middle East peace efforts and, more importantly, finalize the terms for a more durable ceasefire that would stabilize the region.

President Trump has expressed optimism regarding the progress of negotiations with Israel and other Middle Eastern nations, and these discussions are seen as a crucial step in achieving a lasting peace in the region. The Trump administration has long supported Israel, and the current ceasefire talks are seen as an opportunity for the U.S. to strengthen its role as a mediator in the Middle East.

As the world watches closely, the ongoing discussions between Netanyahu and the Trump administration could prove to be a defining moment in the quest for peace in the region. For now, the second phase of the ceasefire remains a work in progress, with much still to be determined about how long-lasting peace can be achieved between Israel and Hamas.

The situation remains fluid, but both leaders seem committed to taking steps toward ending the violence. The focus is now on securing the terms for a more durable agreement that could not only stabilize Gaza but also offer hope for lasting peace in a region long plagued by conflict.