Trump Unveils Peace Oversight Board Amid Global Reactions

U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new initiative called the Board of Peace, designed to oversee the next steps in the Gaza peace strategy. Invitations have gone out to various world leaders, yet responses are mixed, with questions surrounding its structure and authority.

Although Israel has been asked to join, it remains uncertain whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will accept. France has opted out for the moment, expressing concerns regarding the board’s alignment with United Nations principles. Other invitees include Russia, Belarus, Slovenia, Thailand, and the European Union.

In a significant move, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has accepted the invitation, making him the first Arab leader to join. Countries such as Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Argentina have also agreed to participate. Invitations have also been extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko showing interest. The European Commission is considering its involvement.

However, the role of this board remains unclear. Observers highlight that the invitation list features nations lacking close connections, raising concerns about decision-making processes. The mandate includes supervising an executive committee that will handle the implementation of the Gaza peace plan's second phase, which focuses on disarming Hamas, deploying an international security force, and facilitating Gaza’s reconstruction.

According to a U.S. official, contributing $1 billion ensures permanent board membership, directing funds towards rebuilding efforts in Gaza. A three-year appointment can occur without financial input. The estimated cost to rebuild Gaza is $53 billion, per a World Bank report.

Israel has firmly objected to this initiative. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the board, asserting it undermines Israeli interests and has suggested Israel should assume full military responsibility in Gaza. Netanyahu acknowledged the ongoing disagreements with the U.S. regarding the board's makeup, but claimed it won’t damage U.S.-Israeli relations. Israel insists that forces from Turkey or Qatar will not be involved in Gaza as part of this plan.

The U.K., led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is currently reassessing its stance and seeking advice from allies. Concurrently, Egypt is backing a newly established Palestinian technocrat committee to manage Gaza’s daily operations until the Palestinian Authority regains full authority.

Even with a ceasefire in effect for over 100 days, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain precarious. The U.N. World Food Program continues to provide essential aid, reaching more than one million people each month, yet 77% of the population is experiencing crisis-level food insecurity.

Tensions persist in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations in Hebron have targeted areas seen as hindering settlement expansion. Tragically, three Palestinians, including a 17-year-old, have died during these security efforts and border incidents. Since the ceasefire began, Gaza authorities report over 460 deaths due to Israeli fire.

Trump’s Board of Peace marks an ambitious yet contentious effort to regulate a nuanced regional conflict. Its efficacy will hinge on the collaborative spirit of the invited nations, full engagement from Israel and Palestinian authorities, and the board’s ability to integrate with established international frameworks like the United Nations.