At a Glance
- At least eight more countries have been invited to join President Donald Trump’s new Board of Peace
- Hungary and Vietnam have already accepted invitations to the Gaza oversight body
- A $1 billion contribution secures permanent membership instead of a three-year term
- Why it matters: The board could rival the U.N. Security Council in global influence
President Donald Trump is expanding his new Board of Peace, a global body created to oversee Gaza’s future, with at least eight additional countries receiving invitations. Hungary and Vietnam have already confirmed their participation.
Membership Details
The board offers two types of membership:
- Permanent membership requires a $1 billion contribution
- Three-year appointment has no financial requirement
According to a U.S. official speaking anonymously, all funds raised will support Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.
Countries Joining
Confirmed members:
- Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accepted the invitation
- Vietnam: Communist Party chief To Lam accepted
Invited countries considering membership:
- India: Senior government official confirmed receiving invitation
- Australia: Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said discussions are ongoing
- Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Pakistan: All confirmed receiving invitations Sunday
Previously invited countries include Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania. The total number of invitations remains unclear.
Board’s Mandate
The Board of Peace will oversee critical Gaza developments as the Oct. 10 ceasefire enters its challenging second phase. Responsibilities include:
- Supervising a new Palestinian committee in Gaza
- Coordinating international security force deployment
- Managing Hamas disarmament
- Directing reconstruction of war-damaged areas
Global Ambitions
Trump’s invitation letters describe the board as embarking on “a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.” The letters, sent Friday to world leaders, positioned the body as potential competition to the U.N. Security Council.
The 15-seat Security Council has faced repeated U.S. vetoes preventing action on Gaza. Meanwhile, the U.N.’s influence has diminished following major funding cuts from the Trump administration and other donors.
The Security Council previously endorsed the U.S. 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which includes creating the Board of Peace.
Executive Committee
The White House announced an executive committee to implement the board’s vision. Members include:
- U.S. Secretary of State Rubio
- Trump envoy Steve Witkoff
- Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law
- Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair
- World Bank President Ajay Banga
- Trump’s deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel
- Israeli billionaire Yakir Gabay
Representatives from ceasefire monitors Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey also serve on the committee.
Israeli Opposition
Israel raised objections Saturday, stating the executive committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued the rare criticism of Washington without providing specific details.
Announcement Timeline
The U.S. is expected to release its official member list during the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in the coming days.
Key Takeaways
- The Board of Peace represents Trump’s most ambitious international initiative
- Membership requires either significant financial contribution or limited-term appointment
- The body could reshape global conflict resolution beyond Gaza
- Israel’s objections highlight potential diplomatic tensions ahead
- Multiple countries are still evaluating whether to join the controversial new organization
