Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been invited by U.S. President Donald Trump to join his proposed international body overseeing Gaza's reconstruction. The Foreign Ministry announced the invitation on Tuesday, and Takaichi is considering participation. The "Board of Peace" has sparked controversy over fears it could expand to other conflicts and serve as an alternative to the United Nations.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the establishment of the "Board of Peace" last week as part of the second phase of a U.S.-led 20-point plan for the war-torn Gaza Strip. Trump serves as chairman, with the board's charter requiring all decisions to be approved by him and invited countries selected by him. Member countries' terms are three years or less, renewable by the chairman, with no term limit for those contributing more than $1 billion.
According to Israeli media, more than 60 countries, including Israel, Russia, European nations, and Arab states, had received invitations by Tuesday. World leaders such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have been invited. The board may hold its first meeting during the World Economic Forum's annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, this week.
French President Emmanuel Macron is unlikely to participate at this stage, according to an aide. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun acknowledged receiving the U.S. invitation during a Beijing press conference but declined to comment on participation.
While aimed at overseeing Gaza's reconstruction, the board has stirred controversy due to concerns it could expand to other conflicts and potentially undermine the United Nations. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's decision on joining remains under consideration.
