Trump’s Peace Board has emerged as a key part in US President Donald Trump’s efforts to move the Gaza peace process beyond the present fragile ceasefire. The board is intended to oversee the plan’s next step, which includes sending an international security force, disarming Hamas, and supervising reconstruction operations in the war-torn region. Invitations have been sent to a wide number of countries and leaders, triggering a range of international leaders’ response, from acceptance to hesitancy and outright criticism.
Wide-Ranging Invitations Spark Debate
The United States has invited other nations to join Trump’s Peace Board, including some with strained relations. Israel was invited to join, but an Israeli official, who spoke anonymously owing to diplomatic sensitivity, said it is unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed.
France has decided not to join “at this stage.” A French official close to President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the decision was motivated by reservations about the United Nations’ ideals and structure.When told of Macron’s position, Trump commented to reporters: “Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon.” He added lightheartedly, “I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes and he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join.”
Several nations have already committed. Morocco’s King Mohammed VI became the first Arab leader to accept, then Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Argentina followed likewise. According to spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has received an invitation, which the Kremlin is presently assessing for clarity on the details. Trump later confirmed Putin’s offer. Belarus has expressed willingness to join, and Thailand is considering the suggestion. The European Commission has expressed interest in backing a comprehensive Gaza strategy, but has not confirmed formal adoption.
The broad extent has raised doubts about the board’s specific authority, decision-making procedures, and whether it may serve as an alternative to the UN Security Council.Invitation letters describe the initiative as “a bold new approach to resolving global conflict,” adding to speculation about its long-term ambitions.
International Leaders Response and Israel’s Reservations
International leaders’ reactions to Trump’s Peace Board have been mixed. In Israel, reactions have been especially harsh. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich flatly rejected the proposal, calling it destructive to Israel’s interests. “It is time to explain to the president that his plan is bad for the State of Israel and to cancel it,” Smotrich told reporters. He maintained that Gaza should continue to be under Israeli military authority and even urged resuming large-scale operations if Hamas does not disarm quickly.Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged differences in the board’s composition, but dismissed any long-term impact on US-Israel relations.
“There will not be Turkish soldiers and Qatari soldiers in the (Gaza) Strip,” he stated firmly. His office previously described parts of the executive structure as uncoordinated with Israel and inconsistent with its policies.
Structure and Funding of the Board
The board will oversee an executive committee charged with carrying out the peace plan’s second phase. Permanent membership necessitates a $1 billion commitment to Gaza’s restoration, but shorter three-year terms involve no financial obligation, according to a US source speaking on background. The whole list of members is expected to be released soon, potentially at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Rebuilding Gaza is a tremendous task. According to a World Bank study from last year, the cost was almost $53 billion.
On-the-Ground Realities in Gaza
Despite the fact that the ceasefire has been in effect for more than 100 days, daily living in Gaza remains tough. The UN World Food Program has increased its humanitarian efforts, distributing hot meals and food boxes to over a million people each month and assisting in the prevention of malnutrition among vulnerable groups. However, the organization defines the humanitarian situation as “extremely fragile.” Earlier food security analyses revealed that 77% of the population is experiencing crisis-level insecurity.
Security incidents continue. Israeli forces conducted a significant counterterrorism operation in Hebron, West Bank.According to the Gaza Health Ministry, three Palestinians, including a 17-year-old, have been killed in separate incidents involving Israeli fire since the ceasefire began, out of a total of over 460 such deaths. UN organizations and independent experts generally believe the ministry’s casualty numbers are reliable.
Trump’s Peace Board is an ambitious attempt to guide Gaza toward long-term stability through international engagement. While some leaders have praised the program, others are suspicious, its capacity to generate agreement, clarify processes, and provide actual results will decide its success. As additional responses arrive, international leaders’ response will play an important role in setting the path forward.
