Board of Peace Inaugural Meeting Ignores Palestinian Suffering as Trump's Son-in-Law Touts Profit Potential
The Board of Peace (BoP), or Peace Council for Gaza, created by United States President Donald Trump, has yet to provide a strong foundational role for advancing the cause of the Palestinian people.
Former Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Dino Patti Djalal, who also served as Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United States, offered his assessment following the first meeting of BoP member countries in Washington on Thursday, 19 February 2026.
“I did not sense any empathy from the speeches in America towards the victims and the suffering of residents of the Gaza Strip over the past two years. It was not even mentioned,” Dino stated.
Dino found it deeply ironic to hear the speech of the BoP’s US executive vice, Jared Kushner — who is also President Trump’s son-in-law — offering potential economic profit from development in Gaza, a territory that currently lies devastated following the military invasion by Zionist Israel.
A video presented at the meeting about the Board of Peace’s plans for the Gaza Strip opened by praising “the unprecedented achievements of US President Donald Trump” and featured real estate performance projections.
A statement by an executive member of the BoP regarding potential real estate and business opportunities in Gaza valued at up to USD 150 billion showed a lack of sensitivity towards the conscience of Gaza’s residents, Dino observed. The approach risks overlooking the feelings of a Palestinian public still affected by trauma and loss.
Palestinian suffering, Palestinian independence, and Israel’s brutal occupation were scarcely heard in the forum. Instead, Gaza was presented as mere property — an attractive asset for investors.
Dino assessed that the role of US President Donald Trump appeared very dominant in the Board of Peace proceedings. “The BoP has begun its work, but the future process remains fragile and full of risks,” he said.
According to Dino, if the Board of Peace continues to deviate from its humanitarian objectives and fails to prioritise the welfare and sovereignty of the Palestinian people, Indonesia should consider withdrawing from the body. He described Indonesia’s participation as a realistic approach, but one that must be constantly measured against its commitment to Palestinian statehood.