South Korea Observes First Trump‑Led Gaza Peace Board Meeting, Named Future Reconstruction Donor
Updated (3 articles)
South Korea Attended Inaugural Gaza Peace Board Session On Feb 19 2026 the first Board of Peace for Gaza convened at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, and South Korea sent former Egypt ambassador Kim Yong‑hyon as an observer [1][2]. The board now counts more than two dozen participating nations, though South Korea remains a non‑member state [1][2]. The meeting marked the debut of the U.S.-led peace body launched the previous month [2].
Trump Highlighted South Korea’s Role in Reconstruction Funding President Donald Trump listed South Korea among the countries that will contribute to Gaza’s post‑war reconstruction during the Feb 19 session [2]. He also referenced commitments from Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and noted expected participation by China and Russia [2]. The statement positioned South Korea as a key donor despite its observer status [2].
Board Secures Multi‑Billion Dollar Pledges From Nine Countries At the same gathering, Trump announced that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait together pledged more than US $7 billion for Gaza relief [2]. These commitments expand the board’s financial base while South Korea continues to observe rather than vote [2]. The pledges underscore the board’s rapid scaling within weeks of its creation [2].
South Korean Government Weighs Formal Membership Ministry spokesperson Park Il said the government will “prudently review” the possibility of full board membership, weighing strategic considerations [1]. The foreign ministry emphasized that participation supports President Trump’s peace push and signals ongoing South Korean contributions to Middle East security [1]. No decision on membership has been announced as of Feb 20 2026 [1].
Trump Officially Opened Meeting With Gavel Ceremony An EPA photograph captured President Trump raising a gavel to open the inaugural board meeting on Feb 19 2026, symbolizing the start of the new diplomatic effort [1]. The ceremonial act highlighted the high‑profile nature of the gathering and Trump’s personal involvement [1].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: South Korea Observes First Trump‑Led Gaza Peace Board Meeting – Details South Korea’s observer role, Kim Yong‑hyon’s attendance, board composition, Park Il’s membership remarks, and Trump’s gavel‑raising ceremony .
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2.
Yonhap: Trump cites South Korea as future Gaza reconstruction donor at Board of Peace meeting – Reports Trump naming South Korea as a reconstruction donor, outlines other donor nations, cites $7 billion pledges from nine countries, and notes South Korea’s observer status .
Timeline
Jan 20, 2026 – President Trump invites South Korea to join the newly proposed Gaza Board of Peace, part of an outreach to roughly 60 nations including Canada, France, Turkey, China, Israel, the EU and Russia; Seoul’s foreign ministry says the invitation is under review and will consider “which countries join” before deciding [3].
Jan 2026 – The U.S.–led Board of Peace for Gaza is launched, establishing a multilateral forum aimed at fostering cease‑fire, reconstruction and long‑term stability in the war‑torn Gaza Strip [2].
Feb 19, 2026 – The inaugural Board of Peace meeting convenes at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington; President Trump ceremonially raises a gavel to open the session and over two dozen nations attend, while South Korea sends former Egypt ambassador Kim Yong‑hyon as an observer [1][2].
Feb 19, 2026 – At the same gathering, President Trump names South Korea among the future donors for Gaza reconstruction, notes Japan’s “very big” aid commitment, and announces that nine countries—including Kazakhstan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia—have pledged more than US$7 billion for relief [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – South Korea’s foreign ministry issues a statement confirming its observer role, saying the participation “backs President Trump’s efforts to enhance Gaza peace” and that spokesperson Park Il will “prudently review” the option of full Board membership [1].