Trump's 'Board of Peace' Meets as Middle East Rejects His Vision

In a 27-second video from the White House, Donald Trump presided over the first meeting of his newly created "Board of Peace," calling it a "historic moment." But the brevity of the footage matched the skepticism greeting his latest Middle East initiative. While Trump's team outlined plans for Gaza stabilization, the very people they aim to pacify were already rejecting the effort as another form of occupation.

When Peace Sounds Like War

Palestinians in Gaza didn't mince words about Trump's peace board. They called it a mechanism that would "further occupation" rather than bring genuine resolution. Hamas officials declared that no US-led peace initiative could stop Palestinian resistance, viewing the stabilization force not as liberation but as another layer of control.

The reaction from Jordan was equally fierce. Jordan-Israel relations have hit their "worst" point in decades, with Jordanian officials condemning Trump's West Bank policies as violations of international law. The kingdom's anger stems from Israeli settlement expansion plans that the Trump administration appears to tacitly support.

Meanwhile, the Gaza stabilization force commander outlined detailed security plans, but Palestinians dismissed them as externally imposed solutions that ignore their fundamental grievances.

The Carrot and the Stick

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Trump's approach combines diplomatic overtures with military intimidation. He praised the "magnificent" B-2 bombers that struck Iran in 2025, sending a clear message about America's willingness to use force. This dual strategy—talking peace while flexing military muscle—reflects a belief that stability can be imposed from above.

But critics point to "decades of international failure" on Palestine, from Camp David to Oslo, where top-down solutions repeatedly collapsed because they didn't address core grievances. The pattern suggests that sustainable peace requires buy-in from all parties, not just the strongest.

The Global Stakes

This isn't just about the Middle East. Regional instability affects global energy markets, shipping routes, and international security. OpenAI's Sam Altman recently called for "urgent" global AI regulation, highlighting how technological and geopolitical challenges increasingly intersect. In an interconnected world, Middle Eastern conflicts ripple outward in unexpected ways.

For international investors and businesses operating in the region, Trump's approach creates both opportunities and risks. Defense contractors might benefit from increased security spending, while tourism and civilian infrastructure projects face continued uncertainty.