Trump Forms Controversial Board of Peace as World Leaders Weigh Participation

Post by : Saif Nasser

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a new initiative called the Board of Peace, aimed at supervising the next phase of the Gaza peace plan. Several world leaders have received invitations, but the plan is drawing mixed reactions and concerns over its structure and authority.

Israel has been formally asked to join the board, although it is unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted. France has declined for now, citing concerns about how the board fits with United Nations principles. Other countries invited include Russia, Belarus, Slovenia, Thailand, and the European Union.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI accepted the invitation, becoming the first Arab leader to join, while Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Argentina have also signed on. Russian President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation, and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko expressed readiness to participate. The European Commission is discussing how it might contribute.

Questions remain about the board’s role. Observers note that the invitations include countries that do not have close ties, raising doubts about how decisions will be made. The board’s mandate involves supervising an executive committee tasked with implementing the second phase of the Gaza peace plan. This phase includes disarming Hamas, deploying an international security force, and overseeing the reconstruction of Gaza.

A U.S. official said that a $1 billion contribution secures permanent membership on the board, with funds directed to rebuild Gaza. A three-year appointment does not require a financial contribution. Rebuilding Gaza is estimated to cost $53 billion, according to a World Bank report.

Israel has voiced strong objections. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the board as harmful to Israel’s interests and suggested taking full military responsibility in Gaza. Netanyahu acknowledged disagreements with the U.S. over the board’s composition but emphasized it would not harm relations with Trump. Israel has insisted that Turkish or Qatari forces will not enter Gaza under the plan.

The U.K., under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is reviewing its position and consulting with allies. Meanwhile, Egypt is supporting a newly appointed Palestinian technocrat committee to manage Gaza’s daily affairs until the Palestinian Authority takes full control.

Despite the ceasefire in Gaza being in effect for over 100 days, humanitarian conditions remain fragile. The U.N. World Food Program continues to provide aid, reaching over a million people monthly, but 77% of the population faces crisis-level food insecurity.

Tensions also continue in the West Bank. Israeli military operations in Hebron targeted areas deemed obstructive to settlement expansion. Three Palestinians, including a 17-year-old, were killed during security operations and border incidents. Since the ceasefire began, more than 460 people have died from Israeli fire, according to Gaza authorities.

Trump’s Board of Peace represents an ambitious but controversial attempt to manage a complex regional conflict. Its success will depend on whether invited nations can collaborate effectively, whether Israel and Palestinian authorities are fully engaged, and how the board coordinates with existing international frameworks like the United Nations.