Washington — More than ten nations have expressed their intention to join President Trump’s “Board of Peace” aimed at addressing issues in Gaza, according to sources involved in the discussions. So far, six countries—Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, and Canada—have publicly confirmed their participation.
Israel recently became the latest addition to the board, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announcing the acceptance of the invitation on Wednesday.
The envisioned group will consist of global leaders, with Trump serving as its chairman. Countries can secure permanent membership by contributing $1 billion, while others may choose to contribute significantly less, possibly around $20 million, as indicated by one source. Notably, Canada has stated it will not provide funding to join.
A White House official indicated that nearly all funds raised would be dedicated to the board’s initiatives in Gaza. Separate fundraising efforts are planned to support the rebuilding of the region.
Furthermore, the president is aiming to hold a signing ceremony for the board during the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday. He is also considering whether the board’s influence should extend beyond Gaza, potentially positioning it as an alternative to the United Nations.
However, the establishment of this group is encountering significant challenges from U.S. allies, especially as the president continues to pursue the acquisition of Greenland and has not dismissed the potential use of military force in that endeavor. Limited support for the board could pose a public relations issue for the administration at Davos.
Interestingly, Russia has received an invitation to join the board, despite its ongoing military actions in Ukraine and the Trump administration’s claims that the Kremlin represents a national security threat, which justifies the U.S. interest in Greenland.
In a bold move, the president recently threatened France with a staggering 200% tariff on French wine and champagne unless the nation agrees to join the board. The White House has not clarified whether this threat was made in earnest or jest, but sources indicate that France is unlikely to respond favorably to the U.S. proposal.
The White House asserts that the Board of Peace will be crucial in executing all aspects of the president’s Gaza plan, overseeing strategic operations, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza shifts from conflict to peace and development.
