Trump Announces Formation of “Board of Peace” for Gaza

International Participation

More than 10 countries have expressed interest in joining President Trump’s “Board of Peace” for Gaza, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Among those, six nations-Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, and Canada-have publicly accepted the invitation. Notably, Israel is the latest nation to join, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s offstart confirmed on Wednesday.

Membership Contributions

President Trump envisions the board as a coalition of global leaders, with himself serving as the chairman. Countries can secure permanent membership by contributing $1 billion, diverging from the standard three-year membership typically seen in international organizations. However, Canada has publicly stated it will not finance its membership. Some nations may contribute significantly less, with estimates around $20 million being discussed for smaller contributions.

A White House official indicated that “virtually every dollar” raised would be earmarked for the board’s initiatives in Gaza, while fundraising to rebuild the region will be pursued separately.

Upcoming Signing Ceremony

The president is aiming for a formal signing event for the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday. There are indications that Trump is considering whether the board’s responsibilities should expand beyond Gaza, potentially positioning it as a challenger to the United Nations.

However, the formation of the board faces challenges, especially as the administration’s push to acquire Greenland continues to draw scrutiny from allies. Low support for the initiative could reflect poorly on the Trump administration during the high-profile forum in Davos.

Inclusion of Russia and International Relations

In a surprising move, Russia has been invited to join the board, despite its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Trump administration has characterized the Kremlin as a significant national security threat, further complicating U.S. foreign relations, particularly amid its interest in acquiring Greenland.

Tensions have also escalated with France, as President Trump threatened 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne unless the country agrees to join the board. At this time, sources indicate that France is unlikely to comply with the U.S. request.

Strategic Oversight and Future Goals

The White House has stated that the Board of Peace will play a crucial role in implementing all 20 points of the president’s Gaza plan, tasked with providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.