Former US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of an ambitious international organization, the 'Board of Peace,' aimed at overseeing the reconstruction and governance of the Gaza Strip, while this initiative seeks to restore stability and peace in Gaza, which has been devastated by the recent Israel-Hamas conflict. Notably, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been extended an invitation to join this crucial board, highlighting India's potential role in this global endeavor. Trump's move comes at a critical juncture when there is an urgent need to rebuild Gaza from scratch and normalize the lives of its inhabitants.
The Aftermath of Israel-Hamas War in Gaza
The prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began in 2023, has left the Gaza Strip in ruins. Continuous attacks, missile strikes, and bombings during the war have decimated Gaza's infrastructure, while thousands of lives have been lost, and millions have been displaced. One of the most dire consequences of the war is the severe humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, where people are facing starvation and malnutrition, with children being particularly affected. In response to these dire circumstances, Donald Trump proposed a 20-Point Peace Deal, which ultimately led to a ceasefire. Now, with the ceasefire in place, the priority is to redevelop Gaza and ensure a better future for its people, and the formation of the 'Board of Peace' is a significant step in this direction.
Leadership and Permanent Members of the Board
The primary objective of the 'Board of Peace' is to redevelop Gaza and transform it from a war-torn ruin into a habitable place for its people. Trump described the establishment of this peace board as "time to turn dreams into reality, while " According to him, this board will function as a new international organization and a temporary government. Its main tasks will include improving governance in Gaza, reconstructing the war-ravaged areas, and bringing lasting peace through economic investment, while another crucial role of the board is to demilitarize Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid to those in need, rebuild the destroyed infrastructure, and establish a technical Palestinian administration. The aim is to ensure that Gaza can avoid future conflicts and its residents can live peaceful lives.
According to the White House, the 'Board of Peace' will serve as the primary strategic body overseeing post-conflict transitions in Gaza. Donald Trump himself will chair this board, underscoring his personal commitment to the initiative. The board will focus on strengthening governance, improving regional relations, accelerating. Reconstruction efforts, mobilizing investment to improve conditions, and securing large-scale funding. Several prominent figures are slated to be permanent members of the board. These include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, considered one of Israel's staunchest supporters in the Trump administration, while he has stated that those who criticize Israel won't be granted US visas and has called the decision by some Western nations to recognize a Palestinian state irresponsible. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate businessman and close Trump associate, was tasked with ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and a strong supporter of Israel, will also be part of this board. Kushner had previously stated that Palestinians aren't capable of self-governance and described Gaza as "valuable beachfront property. " He also played a significant role behind the Abraham Accords. Billionaire businessman Marc Rowan, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, is another permanent member. Media reports indicate he has engaged in social work in Israel and funded pro-Israel organizations in the US. Ajay Banga, the current President of the World Bank, and former. UK Prime Minister Tony Blair are also included in this board. Tony Blair is considered controversial in the region due to his support for the US-led War on Terror and the 2003 Iraq War. Robert Gabriel Jr. , who served as Deputy National Security Advisor in the. Trump administration, will also be a part of this important board.
National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG)
Alongside the main 'Board of Peace,' two other crucial structures have been established to ensure smooth administration on the ground in Gaza. The first is the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG), which will be led by Palestinian technocrat Dr. Ali Shath. This committee's primary task is to restart public services in Gaza, reconstruct government institutions damaged by the war, and stabilize the daily lives of the people. The White House has described this committee as a vital. Link in implementing the second phase of Trump's Gaza plan. In an interview with Egyptian media, committee chairman Ali Shath confirmed its official 12-member team, while this team includes Engineer Aid Abu Ramadan (Economy and Trade), Abdul Karim Ashour (Agriculture), Dr. Aid Yaghi (Health), Engineer Osama Al-Sadawi (Housing and Land), Adnan Abu Warda (Justice), Major General Sami Nasman (Interior and Internal Security), Ali Barhoum (Municipalities and Water), Bashir Al-Rayyes (Finance), Hana Tarazi (Social Affairs), Jabr Al-Dour (Education), and Engineer Omar Al-Shamali (Telecommunications), while major General Sami Nasman has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of internal security, meaning police affairs in Gaza will be under his purview.
Formation of the Gaza Executive Board
In addition to the National Committee, a separate 'Gaza Executive Board' will also be established. The main function of this board will be to assist in the effective implementation of governance on the ground in Gaza, while it will include international diplomats and regional representatives from countries such as Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Also, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator Sigrid Kaag will also be a part of this important board. This Executive Board will play a crucial role in bringing stability to Gaza and coordinating reconstruction efforts, ensuring that international aid and plans are effectively implemented.
Countries Invited to Join the Initiative
Several countries, including India, have been invited to participate in this significant 'Board of Peace' initiative. These nations include Argentina, Canada, Egypt, Turkey, Albania, and Cyprus, while this indicates that the Trump administration is attempting to forge a broad international coalition for Gaza's future. Interestingly, Pakistan has also been invited to join the 'Board of Peace. ' Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, confirmed this invitation. He also stated that Pakistan would continue to support all international efforts aimed at peace and security in Gaza. This participation from various countries underscores a collective global responsibility to bring stability to Gaza.
The $1 Billion Price Tag for Permanent Membership
Another crucial piece of information regarding the 'Board of Peace' has emerged, pertaining to its financial structure, while according to a Bloomberg report, the Trump administration expects any country wishing to remain a permanent member of this board to pay a substantial sum. The administration has set a condition of a $1 billion (approximately 9,000 crore Indian Rupees) payment for permanent membership, while the term for member countries on the board will generally be three years. However, if a country pays $1 billion in cash within the first year of the charter's implementation, it can secure permanent membership. A US official told CNBC that there is no initial fee to. Join the board, but a $1 billion payment will grant permanent member status. This financial condition highlights the seriousness of this initiative and the vast resources required for its success.
