▲ U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington on Feb. 19, 2026, in this photo, released by the Associated Press. (Yonhap)

Trump-peace board

Trump notes S. Korea among countries supporting Gaza reconstruction

By Song Sang-ho

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned South Korea among the countries that will join a fundraiser to support the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip, as he convened the first meeting of a new U.S.-led international peace organization in Washington on Thursday.

Trump referred to South Korea, the Philippines and other countries, which he said would contribute to the reconstruction efforts for the Palestinian enclave, during the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, which was launched last month to promote peace efforts around the world.

"Japan has just committed to an aid fundraiser, which will be a very big one. It's already successful. We know some of the numbers that are being talked about, which will be attended by other nations in the region, including South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and others," he said.

"China is going to be involved, and I think Russia is going to be involved," he added.

During the meeting, Trump announced that nine countries -- Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan and Kuwait -- have agreed to commit more than US$7 billion to relief efforts in Gaza.

More than two dozen countries have joined the Board of Peace, an organization leading efforts for peace in Gaza. South Korea is not a member, but has sent former Ambassador to Egypt Kim Yong-hyun to Thursday's meeting as an observer.

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