The Gaza Board of Peace: Regional Political Context and Path to Stability
In January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump launched the Board of Peace (BoP), a novel international body he chairs to oversee Gaza’s postwar reconstruction, demilitarization, and transitional governance. Emerging from a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended the protracted Israel-Hamas conflict in late 2025—endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803—the board marks a shift from traditional multilateral diplomacy toward a contributor-driven model focused on pragmatic outcomes.Politically, the initiative reflects profound changes in Middle East dynamics.
The devastating war left Gaza in ruins, with over 80% of infrastructure destroyed and acute humanitarian crises persisting. Traditional frameworks, like the UN-led process or the Quartet (U.S., EU, UN, Russia), have long stalled on issues of Palestinian statehood, Israeli security, and regional normalization.
Trump’s board sidesteps these by prioritizing actionable reconstruction funded directly by members: a $1 billion pledge secures permanent seats, while others receive three-year terms. This “pay-to-play” structure has rapidly assembled a diverse coalition, including Arab states (UAE, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey), Israel (via Prime Minister Netanyahu), and non-Western powers (Belarus, with Russia considering involvement).
For the region, the board strengthens normalization trends seen in the Abraham Accords, bringing Israel together with Sunni Arab nations on shared economic and security interests. Egypt and Jordan’s participation underscores their stakes in border stability and preventing extremism spillover. Inclusion of figures like Belarusian President Lukashenko and potential Russian involvement signals U.S. efforts to reintegrate isolated actors, potentially easing broader geopolitical tensions (e.g., Ukraine).
However, it alienates traditional allies: France, Germany, and others have declined, citing risks of undermining UN multilateralism and creating parallel global structures.
🚨 BREAKING: 10+ COUNTRIES SIGN ON TO TRUMP’S NEW “BOARD OF PEACE” 🌍
— Richard Miriti (@miriti55453) January 20, 2026
While the UN gridlocks, nations are lining up behind Trump’s Gaza reconstruction plan — with the Board potentially expanding into a new global security body.
Here are the countries that have publicly… pic.twitter.com/Gm5OXzjhOl
On peace prospects, supporters view the board as innovative—leveraging financial incentives for swift aid delivery, demilitarization, and governance reforms in Gaza. Its charter hints at expansion to other hotspots, positioning it as a nimble alternative to bureaucratic institutions. Critics warn of unilateralism, questioning transparency in funds and Trump’s indefinite chairmanship. Amid slow aid flows and occasional ceasefire violations, the board’s success hinges on inclusive Palestinian representation and progress toward a two-state vision.
A planned Davos signing ceremony this week could solidify momentum, offering a bold, if controversial, pathway to regional stability in a fractured landscape.
President Trump Invites Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko to Join Gaza Board of Peace – U.N. Now Having Fits https://t.co/9iAndhYKD4
— TheLastRefuge (@TheLastRefuge2) January 19, 2026
Confirmed participants include Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Russian President Vladimir Putin has received and is considering an invitation. Other invitees span Europe, Asia, and beyond, with mixed responses—France has declined, citing concerns over undermining the United Nations.
The board supports phase two of the ceasefire plan, focusing on demilitarization, aid delivery, and new administration in Gaza. Despite progress, challenges persist: humanitarian needs remain acute, aid flows slowly, and isolated Israeli military actions, including evacuations and strikes, continue in some areas.
Critics view the board as a bold alternative to traditional bodies like the UN, which has expressed strong reservations. Supporters praise it as pragmatic and action-oriented, aiming to integrate diverse global players for sustainable peace.
The Trump initiative has sparked intense debate (as usual), with allies divided and observers watching whether it delivers lasting results in one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
The board, stemming from Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan endorsed by UN Resolution 2803 in November 2025, aims to enforce ceasefires, deliver aid, rebuild the area, and guide Palestinian self-governance. Israel, UAE, Pakistan, Kosovo, Belarus, and others like Azerbaijan and Morocco accepted invitations, with permanent seats tied to a $1 billion voluntary contribution; a Davos signing ceremony looms this week. Norway and Germany rejected it over UN principles and international law worries, while critics question members like Belarus’s Lukashenko and Netanyahu’s ICC warrant, labeling the effort imperial or an alliance of controversial figures.