By Junaid Qaiser
Writer, peace activist, and renowned advocate of the Abraham Accords. Author of “Trump’s Historic Peace Deal: Abraham Accords and the Road to Nobel Recognition.” As a proponent of Middle Eastern peace, Qaiser explores diplomatic breakthroughs and their global implications.
A Moment of Hope
Something significant is taking shape in Washington, and Pakistan is right at the heart of it. On February 19th, leaders from across the globe will gather for the inaugural summit of the Gaza Board of Peace—and Pakistan will be there.
According to media reports, Islamabad has accepted the invitation, with representation expected at the highest levels: either Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif or Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend, underscoring just how seriously Pakistan is taking this opportunity. By accepting the invitation, Pakistan is stepping into a critical moment when the world desperately needs voices of reason, compassion, and commitment to genuine peace.
The meeting, to be chaired by US President Donald Trump, comes at a time when Gaza’s humanitarian crisis demands more than statements and resolutions—it demands action.
A New Framework for Lasting Peace
For a region that has been mired in conflict and shattered ceasefires for far too long, the upcoming meeting of the Board of Peace brings a much-needed spark of diplomatic hope. While the suffering in Gaza has been deep and ongoing, this gathering shows that the international community is ready to look past temporary ceasefires and start working towards a sustainable future.
What makes this meeting so crucial isn’t just the attendees, but what it stands for. For the first time in years, Gaza is being addressed within a structured, UN-sanctioned framework that brings together ceasefire monitoring, reconstruction efforts, and governance reform.
This move from merely responding to crises to planning for the long haul is a big deal. It shows a growing understanding that lasting peace needs solid institutions, resources, and a commitment from the international community.
What Makes This Different
With the backing of a UN Security Council mandate, the Board of Peace is set to help guide Gaza through its toughest transition yet: moving from war to recovery. The focus on establishing the board’s structure, mandate, and secretariat is a positive sign.
Key Elements That Past Initiatives Missed:
- Clear institutional framework and governance structure
- UN Security Council mandate providing legitimacy
- Integration of ceasefire monitoring with reconstruction
- Long-term commitment rather than crisis response
- Balanced approach to security and civilian needs
Having a clear framework boosts the likelihood that the promises made today will lead to real progress tomorrow.
Pakistan’s Strategic Role
Pakistan’s role as a founding member of the board comes at a crucial time and carries significant weight. By joining the Board of Peace, Pakistan is reaffirming its commitment as a responsible global player dedicated to dialogue, rebuilding, and fostering regional stability.
🤝Principled Engagement
Pakistan’s participation highlights its balanced diplomatic approach and willingness to engage meaningfully in globally supported peace initiatives
🏛️Institutional Focus
Alignment with Pakistan’s belief that lasting peace hinges on strong institutions and clear guidance
⚖️Realistic Approach
Keeping discussions focused on frameworks and goals while postponing sensitive topics like troop contributions
🌍Global Credibility
Bringing credibility, restraint, and vital focus on long-term stability to this emerging initiative
The prospect of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attending highlights Islamabad’s willingness to engage meaningfully in a globally supported initiative that prioritizes peace, governance, and reconstruction over mere security concerns.
Strategic Diplomatic Timing
The diplomatic timing of the meeting adds to its promise. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled engagement with the US leadership a day earlier, and the possibility of his participation in the board’s session, opens space for rare multilateral interaction.
Even limited dialogue at this level can help rebuild channels of communication that have been frozen by war and mistrust.
Challenges and Hope
There are still significant challenges on the ground. The second phase of the ceasefire is crawling along, border movement is pretty restricted, and Gaza’s technocratic administration is still trying to get things running from within the territory.
Yet, these obstacles only emphasize the importance of sustained international engagement. Progress in post-conflict settings is rarely quick, but it becomes achievable when we keep the momentum alive and have realistic expectations.
A Holistic Approach to Peace:
- Security and reconstruction working hand in hand
- Monitored demilitarization with international oversight
- Economic revitalization programs
- Balance between security concerns and civilian needs
- Focus on opportunity and inclusion, not just force
This holistic approach gives us hope that peace can be built not just on force, but also on opportunity and inclusion.
Why This Matters
🏗️
Continuity
Sustained focus beyond crisis moments
📋
Structure
Clear frameworks and institutions
💬
Dialogue
Regular diplomatic engagement
🔄
Recovery
Moving from survival to rebuilding
Feeling skeptical about new initiatives is a natural reaction, especially in the context of Gaza. But it’s important to remember that a little cautious optimism can go a long way. The Board of Peace meeting might not lead to immediate changes, but it does promise something even more significant — continuity, structure, and ongoing focus.
In a conflict where neglect can be just as damaging as violence, this is definitely a positive sign.
A Turning Point for Gaza
For the people of Gaza, peace has often been a topic discussed in distant capitals with little to show for it. This meeting could be a turning point.
If the Board of Peace can successfully rally resources, align international players, and keep the diplomatic dialogue going, it might help Gaza shift from just surviving to truly recovering. In a region that’s seen its fair share of setbacks, even a small opportunity can be crucial.
The Board of Peace meeting could mark the start of a more hopeful chapter — one where diplomacy is a regular occurrence, reconstruction is meaningful, and the quest for peace is pursued with patience, realism, and genuine commitment.
Read the Complete Analysis
Discover the full insights into this historic diplomatic initiative and what it means for the future of Gaza and Middle East peace.
Read Full Article at Times of Israel
