Inaugural Board of Peace Meeting: Trump Promises Bright Future for Gaza and the Middle East

US President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in the United States. In his address, Trump promised a bright future for Gaza and the wider Middle East.

“We are working together to ensure a brighter future for Gaza, the Middle East, and the entire world,” Trump said during his speech at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, as reported by Al Jazeera on Thursday (19 February 2026).

He expressed confidence in this pledge because the Board of Peace comprises nations from the Middle East. He also alluded to their generosity regarding financial contributions.

“I think the Board of Peace, because most of its members are leaders and highly respected individuals, but mostly leaders of Middle Eastern countries, countries from around the world, and they are also very generous with money,” Trump said.

Trump also affirmed that nothing is more important than peace, arguing that warfare is a hundred times more costly than peace.

“Nothing is more important than peace, and waging war is a hundred times more expensive than peace,” Trump said.

Trump Declares War in Gaza Is Over

Trump also referenced the Gaza ceasefire agreement that came into effect in October. He claimed “the war in Gaza is over.”

Trump described the ongoing violence as “small fires.” He added that he believed Hamas would “lay down their weapons,” referring to disarmament — which remains a critical point of contention between Hamas and Israel.

“If they don’t do it, you know, they will face severe consequences,” Trump said. He added that “you have to give” Hamas “credit” for having located and returned all the remains of Israeli hostages in Gaza.