• Trump's Board of Peace meeting aims to address Gaza's reconstruction, with $5 billion pledged.
• Disarmament of Hamas remains a contentious issue amid diverging international views.
• Attendance includes representatives from over 45 nations, but notable Western allies remain skeptical.
• The board's ambition extends beyond Gaza, stirring concerns over its competition with the UN.
• Hamas solidifies control over Gaza, complicating reconstruction efforts and governance.

President Donald Trump is convening the inaugural meeting of his “Board of Peace” in Washington, focusing on a reconstruction strategy for the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. This meeting comes as the U.S. president announced $5 billion in pledged funding from member countries, aimed at addressing the humanitarian and infrastructure crisis caused by prolonged conflict. Trump expressed confidence in the initiative’s potential, calling it "the most consequential International Body in History," according to Al Jazeera.

The gathering is set against a backdrop of skepticism from various international parties. While over 45 countries have participated, notable European allies such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have opted out, reflecting concerns about the board’s potential to rival the United Nations. Critics argue that Trump's board lacks essential Palestinian representation, complicating its legitimacy and effectiveness, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Central to the discussions will be the challenges surrounding the disarmament of Hamas, seen as critical for a successful peace process. Trump’s plan articulates a role for an International Stabilization Force, yet implementation faces significant hurdles given Hamas’ reluctance to comply with disarmament demands. Reports indicate that concerns over Hamas' continued grip on Gaza heighten skepticism surrounding the board's effectiveness, especially since the militant group has fortified its control in crucial administrative roles within the Palestinian territory, according to Reuters and NPR.

Trump is seeking to highlight achievements and garner commitments from participating countries during this summit, with significant stakes tied to humanitarian access and governance in Gaza. Key regional players, including Indonesia, have indicated a willingness to commit troops to the stabilization efforts, contingent on improved security conditions. However, the present reality remains fraught, with ongoing ceasefire violations reported and Hamas consolidating its authority in Gaza that could undermine the board's effectiveness, states Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.

As Trump asserts that the Board of Peace represents a bold new approach to international diplomacy, critics remain alarmed about his unilateral control over its direction. Observers note that the board's wider ambitions beyond Gaza could distract from pressing regional issues and carry implications for the established order of international conflict resolution indicated by the UN's framework. The complexity of intertwining geopolitical ambitions with humanitarian needs raises questions about the board's ultimate goals, according to Al Jazeera, Reuters, and NPR.

The situation in Gaza continues to evolve, with Hamas actively making administrative changes that entrench its control over the territory, further complicating any U.S.-led peace efforts. Analysts express concern that without tangible progress on disarming Hamas and restoring stability, the Board of Peace's initiatives may ultimately falter. As international representatives gather, the outcome of the meeting could set the narrative for future engagements in a deeply fractured region, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.