South Korea attended the inaugural meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza as an observer. Trump mentioned South Korea among countries joining a fundraiser for Gaza's reconstruction. The foreign ministry reaffirmed support for international efforts toward Middle East peace and security.
The inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, a U.S.-led international organization launched last month to promote global peace efforts, took place in Washington on February 19, 2026 (local time). U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, and other nations as participants in a major fundraiser for the reconstruction of the war-torn Gaza Strip.
During the meeting, Trump stated, "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 added, "China is going to be involved, and I think Russia is going to be involved."
Trump also announced that nine countries—Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait—have pledged more than US$7 billion to Gaza relief efforts. More than two dozen countries have joined the Board of Peace as members, though South Korea is not one; it sent former Ambassador to Egypt Kim Yong-hyun as an observer.
South Korea's foreign ministry said on Friday, "Including the participation in the inaugural meeting, the government has supported President Trump's leading efforts to enhance peace at Gaza." It added, "We plan to continue to join efforts for Middle East peace and security by the international community."
When asked about potential full membership, ministry spokesperson Park Il stated Thursday that the government will "prudently review" the matter to "take everything into consideration."
The meeting underscored international cooperation for peace and reconstruction in Gaza.
