US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new international body called the Board of Peace, positioning it as the central mechanism for managing Gaza after the war. The initiative forms Phase Two of Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict and is meant to oversee post-war governance, reconstruction and political transition in the Palestinian territory.
Washington has sent invitations to dozens of world leaders, pitching the board as a new international organisation that could eventually deal with conflicts beyond Gaza.
But while some countries have signed on, others remain undecided or have rejected the plan outright.
Who will lead the Board of Peace?
Trump will chair the Board of Peace himself.
The core leadership includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special negotiator Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is also a key member, alongside US billionaire financier Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga and Trump loyalist Robert Gabriel from the National Security Council.
Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov has been appointed High Representative for the Board of Peace. His role is to manage Gaza’s transition away from Hamas rule.
Who will govern Gaza on the ground?
Under the plan, Gaza will be administered by a technocratic body called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, or NCAG.
The committee is headed by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority. It is tasked with restoring public services and stabilising daily life.
Its members include Witkoff, Kushner, Blair, Mladenov, UN official Sigrid Kaag, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi and Egyptian intelligence official General Hassan Rashad.
The White House has also announced a separate Gaza Executive Board, which will work alongside the NCAG to deliver essential services and support governance.
Which leaders were invited?
Trump has invited leaders from at least 60 countries to join as founding members.
Those invited include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Others include leaders from Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Italy, Jordan, Morocco, Hungary, Romania, Cyprus and Albania.
Poland confirmed its invitation, with presidential adviser Marcin Przydacz saying, “President Nawrocki received an invitation from President Trump to participate in this council.”
Pakistan also confirmed receiving an invitation. Its foreign ministry said, “Pakistan will remain engaged with international efforts for peace and security in Gaza, leading to a lasting solution to the Palestine issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions.”
Which countries have agreed to join?
Israel formally joined on January 21. Netanyahu’s office said the board could help end the Gaza conflict and may later address other international disputes.
The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have also signed on. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Abu Dhabi’s participation reflects support for Trump’s peace plan, which he called essential for protecting Palestinian rights.
Egypt has agreed to join, stating it will act in line with UN Security Council mandates.
Other countries that have confirmed participation include Hungary, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus and Kosovo.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed the agreement on camera, saying he hoped to contribute to peace in Ukraine.
Canada has said it will participate but will not pay the $1 billion fee required for permanent membership.
Who is undecided?
India and China have not issued official responses, leaving their positions unclear.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said President Erdogan is still considering the invitation. “We have received an invitation. Our President is being invited as a founding member… and will likely make his decision on this matter very soon,” he said.
Jordan is reviewing the proposal through internal legal processes.
Trump has reportedly tried to pressure France into joining by threatening to impose 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne.
Who has rejected the plan?
Norway and Sweden have declined. Norway said the initiative raises questions that require further dialogue, while Sweden said it would not sign up “as the text currently stands.”
Italy has opted out, with reports saying the government believes joining a body led by a single foreign leader could conflict with its constitution.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom have expressed concerns over Russia’s involvement.
What remains unclear?
According to the White House, the Board of Peace will oversee governance capacity-building, reconstruction, investment and funding mobilisation.
In his invitation letters, Trump called it “the most impressive and consequential board ever assembled” and said it would “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.”
However, major questions remain unanswered. It is still unclear how decisions will be made, how much authority the board will wield, how disputes will be resolved and whether its mandate will expand beyond Gaza.
As countries continue to weigh the risks and rewards, Trump’s ambitious peace experiment remains very much a work in progress.
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