Post by : Saif Rahman

U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced the Board of Peace, a new initiative designed to supervise the next steps of the Gaza peace process. Numerous world leaders have been invited to participate, eliciting mixed reactions regarding its framework and authority.

While Israel has received an invitation to join the board, it's uncertain whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will accept. France has temporarily declined, expressing concerns about alignment with United Nations principles. Other invited nations include Russia, Belarus, Slovenia, Thailand, and the European Union.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has accepted the invitation, becoming the first Arab leader to join. Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Hungary, and Argentina have also joined the initiative. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko have shown interest, with the European Commission weighing its possible contributions.

However, doubts linger regarding the board’s effectiveness. Observers highlight that some invited countries lack strong diplomatic ties, raising questions about decision-making processes. The board is tasked with overseeing an executive committee responsible for the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, which involves disarming Hamas, deploying an international security team, and rebuilding Gaza.

A U.S. official noted that a $1 billion donation grants permanent board membership, earmarked for Gaza's reconstruction. A term of three years does not require funding. The World Bank estimates Gaza's reconstruction costs at $53 billion.

Israel has expressed significant reservations. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the board as detrimental to Israeli interests and suggested a full military role in Gaza. Netanyahu admitted to disagreements with the U.S. about the board’s formation but reassured that this won’t strain U.S.-Israel relations. Israel has also insisted on excluding Turkish or Qatari forces from Gaza under this plan.

The U.K., led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is assessing its stance while engaging with allies. On another front, Egypt is backing a new Palestinian technocrat committee to manage Gaza's daily operations until the Palestinian Authority regains full control.

Despite over 100 days of ceasefire in Gaza, humanitarian conditions remain tenuous. The U.N. World Food Program is aiding over a million people monthly, yet 77% of the population is facing dire food insecurity.

Tensions persist in the West Bank, with Israeli military actions in Hebron targeting areas dispute regarding settlement expansion. During these operations, three Palestinians, including a 17-year-old, had lost their lives, adding to more than 460 fatalities linked to Israeli actions since the ceasefire began, as reported by Gaza authorities.

Trump’s Board of Peace embodies a bold yet contentious effort to navigate a complicated regional conflict. The initiative’s success hinges on the cooperation of invited nations, full engagement from Israeli and Palestinian authorities, and alignment with existing international frameworks such as the United Nations.

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