The United States is scheduled to host a signing ceremony Thursday for President Donald Trump's board of peace (BoP) on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. Trump, who is meeting with global leaders at the WEF this week, is promoting the board as the next stage of his administration's 20-point peace plan and a mechanism to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by Israel's war against Palestinians in the territory since October 2023.

The BoP was initially introduced last year with a two-year mandate to foster unity and cooperation in the region. However, the composition of the board and its specific objectives have drawn skepticism from various international actors. While the U.S. administration has touted the inclusion of key regional players, some nations and organizations have declined to participate, citing concerns about the board's impartiality and the overall peace process.

"Without us, most of the countries don't even work," President Trump stated during an address at the World Economic Forum on January 21, 2026. This sentiment reflects the U.S. administration's view of its central role in global affairs and its commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep historical roots, with both sides claiming rights to the same territory. The ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous wars, uprisings, and periods of intense violence. The international community has long sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but efforts have been hampered by a lack of trust, political divisions, and competing interests.

The reconstruction of Gaza is a monumental task, given the scale of the destruction caused by the recent war. The territory's infrastructure, including homes, hospitals, and schools, has been severely damaged. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with many residents lacking access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.

The participation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the BoP has been met with criticism, given the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Israeli forces in Gaza. The inclusion of Netanyahu has raised questions about the board's credibility and its ability to act as an impartial mediator.

The next steps for the BoP will involve establishing a framework for the reconstruction of Gaza, securing funding from international donors, and engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the reconstruction process is inclusive and sustainable. The success of the BoP will depend on its ability to overcome the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and to build trust among all parties involved.