At least six additional countries have confirmed their invitation to join U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly established "Board of Peace," a body designed to oversee future steps in Gaza, indicating aspirations for a broader role in international affairs. This initiative comes in the backdrop of a ceasefire that commenced on October 10, as the situation in Gaza continues to develop.
According to an unnamed U.S. official, countries can secure permanent membership on the Board through a $1 billion contribution. In contrast, a three-year membership is available without a financial commitment. The funds raised are intended for rebuilding Gaza, a region severely affected by ongoing conflicts.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has publicly accepted his invitation, as stated by Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on state radio. Orbán is noted as one of Trump's staunchest supporters in Europe. Furthermore, India, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan also confirmed their invitations on Sunday, while Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania have previously acknowledged theirs. The total number of countries invited remains unclear, but the U.S. is expected to release an official member list soon, potentially during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The Board of Peace is set to play a significant role in managing the complexities arising as the ceasefire enters its second phase. Its oversight will include the formation of a new Palestinian committee, the deployment of an international security force, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
In letters sent on a recent Friday, Trump invited world leaders to join as "founding members" of the Board of Peace, asserting that it would pursue a “bold new approach to resolving global conflict.” This initiative has the potential to challenge the United Nations, an organization that has faced limitations in effectiveness due to funding cuts by the Trump administration and other contributors. The U.N. Security Council, often paralyzed by U.S. vetoes, has been unable to take concrete action regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Trump's invitation emphasized that the U.N. Security Council had endorsed the U.S.'s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, under which the Board of Peace was established. Some invitees shared the letters on social media, adding visibility to the initiative.
In addition to the Board, the White House announced an executive committee responsible for implementing its vision. However, Israel has expressed concerns that the committee's formation lacked coordination with them and contradicted its policy, a notable critique from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a traditional ally.
The executive committee's roster includes prominent figures such as U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Additionally, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and billionaire Israeli business figure Yakir Gabay are part of the committee, along with representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, indicating an attempt to engage key players in the region.
Turkey's involvement comes despite its complicated relationship with Israel; it maintains positive relations with Hamas and could potentially facilitate disarmament discussions. As the situation in Gaza evolves, the effectiveness of the Board of Peace and the executive committee's mandates remain to be seen.
