WASHINGTON (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Washington on a three-day official visit to attend the inaugural session of the Board of Peace at the invitation of United States President Donald Trump.
The high-level gathering, focused on efforts to end the war in Gaza and oversee post-conflict reconstruction, is being held at the Donald J Trump US Institute of Peace.
The prime minister is scheduled to address the session and engage with senior US leadership as well as counterparts from participating nations. The occasion brings together representatives from more than 45 countries including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Azerbaijan, marking one of the most closely watched diplomatic initiatives on Gaza in recent months.
Global convergence
The summit comes nearly three months after the UN Security Council approved a US-backed ceasefire plan that included a two-year mandate for the Board of Peace to supervise the demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza. The ceasefire remains fragile, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of violations.
Under the terms of the truce, Israeli troops withdrew to positions behind a so-called yellow line, though they remain in control of more than half of the territory. Key unresolved issues include the disarmament of Hamas, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, the scale of reconstruction, and the sustained flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Ahead of the meeting, President Trump announced that board members have pledged $5bn, approximately £3.7bn, towards reconstruction efforts. The amount represents a fraction of the estimated $70bn, or £52bn, required to rebuild Gaza after two years of conflict.
Representation questions
While delegations from 47 countries are expected, several major European allies, including the UK, Germany and France, have declined invitations. The European Union has opted not to take a seat on the board, though the European Commission is sending observers.
There is no Palestinian representation on the board, while Israel holds a seat. The absence of Palestinian participation has drawn attention in diplomatic circles, as discussions centre on governance, reconstruction and long-term security arrangements in Gaza.
Hungary is the only European Union country expected to be formally represented as a board member. Other European states, including Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania, are sending senior officials but are not part of the board itself.
Security backdrop
The meeting takes place against heightened regional tensions. Reports indicate that the United States has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, with advanced F-35 and F-22 fighter jets deployed and a second aircraft carrier en route to the region.
US lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie have announced plans to introduce a war powers resolution aimed at curbing potential military action against Iran without congressional approval. Meanwhile, Russia and Iran have conducted joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, with the Kremlin calling for restraint amid escalating tensions.
In Gaza, humanitarian concerns remain acute. A study published in The Lancet Global Health estimated that more than 75,000 people were killed in the first 16 months of the conflict, significantly higher than earlier official counts. As of February 16, the Palestinian Health Ministry reported at least 72,063 confirmed deaths.