Trump Administration Launches 'Board of Peace' for Gaza and Global Conflict Resolution

The Trump administration has launched a "Board of Peace" initiative, initially focused on overseeing the reconstruction and governance of Gaza following the Israel-Hamas conflict. The initiative's scope has since expanded to include broader global conflict resolution, attracting both international participation and significant criticism regarding its structure, funding, and potential role relative to the United Nations.

Establishment and Initial Mandate

The "Board of Peace" initiative was established by the Trump administration as part of its 20-point plan to address the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Its initial stated purpose was to temporarily oversee Gaza's administration and manage its reconstruction efforts, particularly in the second phase of the ceasefire plan.

A United Nations Security Council resolution adopted in November endorsed the board's creation to support Gaza's rebuilding efforts, mandating it to focus solely on Gaza until the end of 2027.

Structure and Leadership

The initiative involves multiple layers of administration:

• Overarching "Board of Peace": Donald Trump is designated as the chairman, holding exclusive authority to establish, modify, or dissolve subsidiary entities and veto power over decisions. Decisions are to be made by majority vote, subject to the chairman's veto. Member states are granted a renewable three-year term, with permanent status available for a $1 billion financial contribution. The first meeting of the board is scheduled for February 19 in Washington.

• Founding Executive Board: This board focuses on investment and diplomacy. Its announced members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, presidential advisor Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and US National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.

• Gaza Executive Board: This body is responsible for overseeing the on-the-ground operations of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). Members include Kushner, Witkoff, Blair, Rowan, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, UAE Minister of State Reem Al-Hashimy, Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay, and former Netherlands' deputy prime minister Sigrid Kaag. It is led by Nickolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian politician and former UN Middle East envoy, designated as the High Representative for Gaza.

• National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG): This committee is intended to be composed of technocratic, apolitical Palestinians and is led by Dr. Ali Shaath, a civil engineer and former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority. It is tasked with managing the day-to-day governance of post-war Gaza.

• International Stabilization Force (ISF): An International Stabilization Force is planned for deployment to Gaza, with US Major General Jasper Jeffers named as its Commander. Its mandate includes establishing security, training vetted Palestinian police forces, and preserving a durable terror-free environment.

Gaza-Specific Mandate and Challenges

The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan, which commenced in mid-January, outlines several objectives and faces significant challenges:

• Reconstruction: An estimated 80% of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, requiring the removal of approximately 60 million tonnes of rubble, which may contain unexploded ordnance and human remains. Reconstruction costs are estimated at $70 billion. Jared Kushner presented a vision for rebuilding, including potential skyscrapers, an airport, and a seaport, and announced plans for a donors' conference to fund these efforts.

• Humanitarian Crisis: Families in Gaza face severe challenges, including shortages of food and shelter, exacerbated by winter weather. Over one-third of the population is experiencing famine conditions. Aid organizations report ongoing restrictions on their work, which Israel attributes to security concerns aimed at preventing Hamas exploitation.

• Demilitarization: The plan calls for the disarmament of Hamas. Hamas has stated it would meet this condition upon the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, while the US and Israel advocate for immediate disarmament.

• Israeli Withdrawal: Israel's position on a total withdrawal from Gaza remains unclear, with the Israel Defense Forces reportedly occupying 53–58% of the Strip.

• Governance: The Rafah crossing with Egypt is slated to reopen for two-way traffic.

• Ceasefire Violations: Since a truce began in October, reports indicate over 440 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been killed. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violations.

Broader Scope and International Reception

While initially conceived with a Gaza-specific focus, the Board of Peace's charter indicates a broader mandate, positioning it as an "international organization" and "peacebuilding body" aimed at resolving global conflicts and securing lasting peace.

Donald Trump has suggested the board could work with or potentially replace the United Nations, stating the UN "hasn't been very helpful" and "has never lived up to its potential."

• Participation: Approximately two dozen to 26 countries have reportedly accepted invitations to join the board. These include Israel (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary (Prime Minister Viktor Orbán), Kazakhstan, Morocco (King Mohammed VI), Vietnam, Argentina, Kosovo, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Bulgaria, and Paraguay.

• Declinations/Reservations: Major European allies, including France (President Emmanuel Macron), Norway, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Slovenia (Prime Minister Robert Golob), Spain (Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez), and New Zealand, have declined or expressed reservations. These nations often cited concerns about the board's broad mandate, its relationship with the UN, and potential legal implications. The United Kingdom's Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the UK would not immediately join, citing concerns over potential Russian participation and the legal implications of a treaty.

• Under Review: Russia (President Vladimir Putin) is reportedly reviewing its invitation. Australia (Prime Minister Anthony Albanese) is also considering the invitation.

• Canada's Invitation: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney initially accepted the invitation in principle. However, Canada later indicated it would not pay the $1 billion required for a permanent seat, leading to Trump withdrawing Canada's invitation via a social media post.

• Funding Model: Member states are granted a renewable three-year term. Permanent membership is available to states contributing $1 billion within the first year. These funds are designated for the rebuilding of Gaza.

Criticisms and Concerns

The initiative has generated significant criticism:

• Unilateral Authority and Bias: Some observers have characterized the initiative as a potential "colonial solution" imposed on Palestinians, noting the absence of Palestinian individuals on the two primary senior boards. Concerns have been raised about President Trump's designated role as chairman with veto power.

• Composition: The inclusion of Sir Tony Blair has drawn criticism from figures like Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti and United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, citing his role in the Iraq War and Britain's colonial history. Israel also expressed objections regarding the inclusion of Türkiye on the executive committee, describing it as contrary to Israeli policy.

• Undermining the UN: The suggestion that the board could replace the United Nations has prompted opposition from France and UN officials. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed the UN Security Council's primary responsibility for international peace and security, stating it holds the unique authority to adopt binding decisions for all member states.

• Human Rights: Some critics have characterized the board as a "pay-to-play club of human rights abusers and war crimes suspects."

Recent Developments

The Board of Peace initiative was officially launched by Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in mid-January, where he signed its founding charter. The first meeting of the Board of Peace is scheduled for February 19 in Washington at the US Institute of Peace. The meeting is partially intended as a fundraiser. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel's participation despite earlier criticisms from his office regarding certain committee appointments.