Several global leaders invited to join US President Donald Trump’s newly proposed “Board of Peace” are still assessing its structure and implications, as uncertainty grows around the initiative’s role in shaping the next phase of the Gaza peace plan. The proposal has also drawn sharp criticism from senior Israeli officials, with one calling it “bad for Israel” and urging that it be scrapped.
On Monday, the European Union’s executive arm, along with Russia, Belarus, and Thailand, confirmed receiving invitations to join the board, which is expected to oversee the second phase of the Gaza peace process. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin is reviewing the proposal, while Thailand’s foreign ministry said it is studying the details. Belarus confirmed President Alexander Lukashenko is ready to participate, and the European Commission said its president, Ursula von der Leyen, would consult other EU leaders before deciding.
The initiative has raised questions about its scope and authority, particularly after references in invitation letters suggested the board could take on a role rivalling that of the United Nations Security Council. France has already said it does not plan to join “at this stage”, citing concerns about respect for UN principles and structures. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, said discussions with allies are ongoing, even as details of the board’s functioning remain unclear.
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In Israel, the proposal has triggered strong opposition from the far right. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the plan undermines Israeli interests and called for its cancellation, arguing that Israel should impose military administration in Gaza and retain full responsibility for its future. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later acknowledged differences with Washington over the composition of the advisory mechanism but said they would not damage his relationship with Trump. Netanyahu’s office also said the formation of an executive board was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to government policy.
According to US officials, board members would oversee an executive committee responsible for implementing key elements of the second phase of the Gaza plan, including an international security force, the disarmament of Hamas, and reconstruction of the territory. A permanent seat on the board would reportedly require a $1 billion contribution toward rebuilding Gaza, which the World Bank has estimated will cost more than $50 billion, while shorter-term appointments would not require funding.
The announcement comes amid continued instability on the ground. Israeli military operations have intensified in the West Bank, particularly in Hebron, since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that sparked the Gaza war. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies warn that conditions in Gaza remain fragile despite expanded aid operations, underscoring the complexity of any international effort to shape the territory’s future.
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