Gaza Peace Board Launched: Global Efforts for Stability. Washington witnessed a notable diplomatic moment during the first meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace. At the close of the session, U.S. President Donald Trump warmly greeted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He first shook hands with the Pakistani leader and then embraced him. As a result, diplomats and international delegates immediately turned their attention to the unexpected display of warmth.
President of the United States, Donald Trump, while addressing the inaugural session of the Board of Peace in Washington, praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, for their outstanding… pic.twitter.com/JNq3lIWCIf
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 20, 2026
The meeting took place at the Donald Trump Institute of Peace and marked the official launch of the newly formed Gaza Board of Peace. Representatives from 47 countries attended the session. Moreover, Israel and the European Union signaled their involvement in the broader framework. Before discussions began, leaders gathered for a group photograph, which clearly reflected the global scope of the initiative.
President Trump Praises Pakistan
During his address, President Trump openly praised Pakistan and its leadership. He said he holds Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in high regard. In addition, he described Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir as a strong and capable leader. Trump called him a “great general” and emphasized that he respects determined and effective leadership. Consequently, many observers viewed his remarks as recognition of Pakistan’s strategic role in maintaining regional stability.
President of the United States, Donald Trump, appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, while addressing the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington. He… pic.twitter.com/OZWPea0hJj
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 20, 2026
Furthermore, President Trump referred to tensions between Pakistan and India. He claimed that eleven aircraft were shot down during a recent escalation between the two countries. According to Trump, the situation intensified rapidly before U.S. diplomatic engagement helped ease tensions. He stated that his administration played a decisive role in preventing broader conflict in South Asia. He also noted that he warned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of serious economic consequences if hostilities continued.
Broader Peace Commitments
Beyond South Asia, President Trump highlighted his wider peace efforts. He stated that he helped end eight wars and that another conflict was nearing resolution. In this context, he described the Gaza Board of Peace as a vital and unmatched platform for securing lasting stability in the Middle East.
Importantly, Trump announced that the United States would contribute $10 billion to support the Board’s initiatives. At the same time, he noted that the United Nations Gaza relief office is mobilizing $2 billion in assistance. Additionally, FIFA plans to raise $75 million for a sports development project in Gaza. He further stated that China and Russia would participate in the broader peace framework. Through these commitments, Trump underscored the scale and ambition of the initiative.
Iran Must Not Acquire Nuclear Weapons
Turning to Iran, President Trump said discussions were progressing constructively. He indicated that clearer developments would emerge within approximately ten days. However, he firmly reiterated that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons. In his view, regional peace cannot exist if Iran possesses such capabilities.
PM Shehbaz Emphasizes Palestinian Statehood
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope for durable peace in Gaza. He described his participation in the inaugural meeting as an honor. More importantly, he stressed that the creation of a free and sovereign Palestinian state remains essential for lasting stability in the Middle East. He called the gathering a historic moment and suggested that achieving peace in Gaza would become a defining legacy for President Trump.
Shehbaz Hails Trump’s Role
Prime Minister Sharif also praised Trump’s role in conflict resolution, especially regarding tensions between Pakistan and India. He stated that timely diplomatic engagement helped avert a catastrophic war and saved thousands of lives. Therefore, he credited President Trump with preventing large-scale destruction in South Asia.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the inaugural session of the Board of Peace in Washington, stated that the international community must work together towards a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination through the establishment of an independent,… pic.twitter.com/myACBjEN9c
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 20, 2026
Moreover, Sharif emphasized that Palestinian rights must align with United Nations resolutions. He urged all parties to end ceasefire violations in Gaza so that sustainable peace can take root. In doing so, he reinforced Pakistan’s long-standing support for Palestinian self-determination.
Met today with Pakistani Prime Minister @CMShehbaz. Appreciate Pakistan’s ongoing support of @POTUS’s Peace Plan for Gaza and for joining the Board of Peace. In our meeting, we discussed the importance of our strategic relationship on critical minerals development and… pic.twitter.com/vMSl6i4bvz
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 19, 2026
Marco Rubio said he met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and appreciated Pakistan’s continued support for Donald Trump’s Peace Plan for Gaza, as well as its participation in the Board of Peace. He added that the meeting also focused on strengthening the Pakistan–U.S. strategic relationship, particularly in critical minerals development and counterterrorism cooperation.
Reports of a U.S. Military Base in Gaza
Meanwhile, The Guardian also reported that the Trump administration is considering plans to establish a military base in Gaza. According to the report, the proposed facility would cover more than 350 acres and accommodate up to 5,000 troops. The plan envisions the base as an operational center for a future International Stabilization Force composed of multinational contingents.
The report also described watchtowers, training zones, bunkers, storage facilities, and reinforced perimeter security as part of the design. If implemented, the base would serve as a central hub for security and stabilization efforts in the territory.
International Stabilization Force Plans
Major General Jesper Jeffers, identified as the prospective commander of the force, reportedly stated that several countries have offered troop contributions. Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania have expressed readiness to participate. Notably, Indonesia has accepted the position of deputy commander. In addition, Egypt and Jordan plan to assist in training a newly formed Palestinian police force.
Nickolay Mladenov, representing the Peace Board, confirmed that approximately 2,000 Palestinians have applied to join an interim police force. This structure would operate under a broader transitional governance mechanism supervised by the Gaza Board of Peace. President Trump chairs the Board, and Jared Kushner reportedly supports its leadership efforts.
President Trump clarified that any deployed troops would focus on security, reconstruction, and stabilization. He emphasized that observers should not automatically view them as combat forces.
Overall, the first meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace blended symbolic diplomacy with ambitious geopolitical proposals. The embrace between President Trump and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif became one of the defining images of the event. At the same time, leaders discussed regional tensions, Palestinian statehood, stabilization mechanisms, and major financial commitments. Together, these elements highlight both the opportunities and the challenges facing the newly established Peace Board.
