Trump-Led Board of Peace Launches with Gaza Focus, Drawing International Pledges and Diverse Reactions

Trump Launches "Board of Peace" for Gaza Reconstruction, Eyes Global Role

Donald Trump has initiated the "Board of Peace" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Initially proposed to oversee a ceasefire and reconstruction plan for Gaza, this international body has since expanded its stated ambition to resolve global conflicts. This move has generated significant international debate and mixed responses regarding its mandate, structure, and relationship with the United Nations. The board convened its inaugural meeting in Washington D.C., securing financial pledges for Gaza's rebuilding and commitments for an international stabilization force.

Genesis and Mandate

The Board of Peace was initially introduced with a two-year United Nations Security Council mandate for managing and rebuilding Gaza, as part of Trump's 20-point peace plan following the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, a draft of the board's charter indicates a broader mandate, positioning it as an "international organization" and "peacebuilding body" aimed at resolving global conflicts and securing enduring peace.

Trump suggested the board could work with or potentially replace the U.N., a statement that drew criticism from several international actors.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that the board's immediate focus remained on the Gaza ceasefire and was not intended as a U.N. replacement. The U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution in November, supporting a transitional framework for Gaza under the Board of Peace until 2027, though Russia and China abstained.

Structure and Leadership

The Board of Peace is permanently chaired by Donald Trump, who holds veto power over its decisions. Future U.S. presidents would have the option to appoint the U.S. representative to the board. Below the overarching Board of Peace are several executive bodies:

Focused on investment and diplomacy, its initial members included:

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
• U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
• Jared Kushner
• Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
• Marc Rowan (CEO of Apollo Global Management)
• Ajay Banga (President of the World Bank)
• Robert Gabriel (U.S. National Security Adviser)

Tasked with overseeing on-the-ground work, including implementing phase two of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Members include:

• Nickolay Mladenov (designated High Representative for Gaza)
• Steve Witkoff
• Jared Kushner
• Tony Blair
• Marc Rowan
• Hakan Fidan (Turkish Foreign Minister)
• Ali Al-Thawadi (Qatari diplomat/strategic affairs minister)
• Hassan Rashad (Director of Egypt's General Intelligence Agency)
• Reem Al-Hashimy (Emirati Minister of State)
• Yakir Gabay (Israeli businessman, the sole Israeli member)
• Sigrid Kaag (U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process)

A separate 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee assembled in Cairo, led by Ali Shaath (former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority). This committee is tasked with the day-to-day governance of post-war Gaza under the oversight of the Gaza Executive Board.

Membership and Participation

Invitations were reportedly sent to approximately 50-60 world leaders. Over two dozen countries have accepted, with some attending the inaugural summit as observers.

Israel, Morocco, Hungary, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Armenia, Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Kosovo, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Mongolia, Albania.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian leaders, Thailand, European Union's executive arm, Pope Leo XIV (Vatican).

France, Norway, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, New Zealand, Canada (invitation later withdrawn).

• The UK cited concerns over potential Russian involvement.
• France and Spain cited the board's broad scope and potential conflict with U.N. principles.
• Canada's invitation was rescinded by Trump after Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated Canada would not pay the $1 billion required for a permanent seat, and Prime Minister Mark Carney made remarks critical of the existing world order.

Germany, Italy, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, European Union officials.

Permanent membership is available to states contributing over $1 billion in cash to the board within its first year, while a three-year membership term has no contribution requirement. Some countries were expected to provide smaller contributions, potentially around $20 million.

Gaza Ceasefire and Reconstruction Plan

The initiative aims to implement a ceasefire in Gaza and includes plans for comprehensive reconstruction and stabilization.

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement was reached in October. However, reports indicated ongoing Israeli airstrikes and Palestinian fatalities, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Humanitarian aid deliveries remained restricted, leading to severe conditions and a hunger crisis. The Rafah crossing to Egypt was slated to reopen for two-way traffic.

The plan calls for placing Gaza under a Palestinian-run technocratic administration (NCAG) under the oversight of the Board of Peace.

Jared Kushner outlined a 100-day plan focused on increasing aid, rehabilitating infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), and reconstructing hospitals and bakeries. He also presented a conceptual map of a future unified Gaza with a buffer zone. Estimates for rebuilding Gaza, where approximately 80% has been destroyed, range from $70 billion.

A central component is the complete disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. Hamas was reportedly presented with a formal proposal for demilitarization, linking acceptance to large-scale reconstruction efforts. Trump stated that Hamas had promised to disarm and would face severe consequences if it failed. Israel reiterated that no reconstruction would occur before demilitarization and aimed for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

An ISF is planned for deployment to Gaza, mandated to train and support vetted Palestinian police forces, establish security, and create a "terror-free environment." U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers was appointed to lead this force, planning for 20,000 soldiers and 12,000 police officers. Indonesia offered up to 8,000 troops, with Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania also committing personnel. Egypt and Jordan pledged to train police officers.

Inaugural Meeting and Pledges

The Board of Peace held its inaugural meeting on February 19 in Washington D.C., at the U.S. Institute of Peace, which was renamed the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace. Representatives from nearly 50 countries and the European Union attended, with some as observers.

Trump announced a U.S. pledge of $10 billion (source and congressional authorization pending) and $7 billion in pledges from nine other member countries: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait. FIFA also pledged $75 million for soccer-related projects. These pledges represent a portion of the estimated $70 billion needed for Gaza's reconstruction.

Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania committed troops for the stabilization force. Turkey's Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan also offered Turkey's contribution of troops.

International Reactions and Concerns

The initiative drew mixed international reactions.

Concerns were raised by some over the board's potential to undermine the U.N. and its decision-making structure, particularly given Trump's veto power and perpetual chairmanship. Critics described it as a "pay-to-play club" or a "shadow UN," expressing doubts about its legitimacy and effectiveness, especially without broader international consensus. The lack of Palestinian representation on the senior boards while Israel was a member also drew criticism, with some experts calling the structure reminiscent of colonial governance.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reaffirmed the U.N. Security Council's primary responsibility for international peace and security, stating its unique authority for binding decisions.

U.N. spokesperson Rolando Gomez clarified that U.N. engagement with the board would be limited to the context of the Gaza peace plan.

Israel initially communicated objections to certain board selections, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, stating the appointments were "not coordinated with Israel and were contrary to its policy." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later accepted an invitation to join the board.

Some analysts suggested Asian nations like Indonesia and Vietnam joined due to economic interests, seeking access to U.S. trade and avoiding potential tariffs, rather than immediate expectations of conflict resolution in Gaza. Indonesia, however, stated its participation reflects support for Palestine and a two-state solution.

Despite pledges and commitments, the Board of Peace faces challenges including securing full Hamas disarmament, ensuring Israeli withdrawal, finalizing the ISF composition, and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis amid restricted aid.