President Donald Trump has launched a 'Board of Peace' to oversee a transitional government in Gaza, inviting global leaders including Vladimir Putin despite controversy over its scope and costs. The initiative includes a $1 billion fee for permanent membership and has drawn mixed reactions from world leaders. Israel has criticized the inclusion of representatives from Qatar and Turkey.
President Donald Trump announced the formation of the 'Board of Peace' on Truth Social last week, describing it as 'the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.' The board is tasked with overseeing the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic transitional government aimed at managing Gaza's administration following Trump's peace plan.
According to a draft charter reported by The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg, countries can join for a three-year term or pay $1 billion for permanent membership, with Trump holding ultimate authority over decisions. The initiative has invited around 60 leaders, including surprising figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Hungary's Viktor Orbán accepted the 'honorable invitation,' while Argentina's Javier Milei expressed honor in promoting peace starting with Gaza. France is set to decline, and Canada's Mark Carney agreed in principle but is negotiating details.
The board's executive includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel. The NCAG will be headed by Ali Shaath, a Gaza native and former Palestinian Authority deputy minister.
Criticism has mounted, particularly from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that no Turkish or Qatari forces—nations with ties to Hamas—would operate in Gaza, calling the board contrary to policy. Hamas has agreed to dissolve its governance upon NCAG's assumption of control, per the Associated Press, though disarmament remains uncertain. Witkoff warned that Hamas must 'comply fully with its obligations,' including returning the body of Israeli hostage Ran Gvili, or face 'serious consequences.'
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the effort, with President Hussein Al Sheikh stating it 'welcomes the efforts undertaken by President Donald Trump to complete the implementation of his peace plan.' Some observers, citing an NPR-obtained charter, question if the board extends beyond Gaza to rival the United Nations, potentially handling broader conflicts.
