Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to join US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace. A statement from his office confirmed that he will be part of a board that comprises several world leaders. Initially conceived as a mechanism to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas and to supervise reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip, the board's charter notably does not mention the Palestinian territories, leading to speculation that it aims to replace traditional UN functions.
Countries including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have agreed to join, alongside Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Vietnam, while others remain skeptical. Reports indicate that sizeable nations such as Canada, Russia, Turkey, and the UK have been invited but have yet to announce their participation. Norway, France, and Sweden have declined, citing various concerns regarding the board's framework.
The charter indicates that member states will serve renewable three-year terms but can secure permanent positions if they pledge $1 billion in contributions. Designed to be an international organization, the Board of Peace is said to seek stability and lawful governance, aiming for enduring peace in conflict-ridden areas.
Trump is expected to chair the board indefinitely, with the possibility for future presidents to nominate replacements. As chair, he holds the power to shape the board's structure and mission, appointing influential figures to an Executive Board.
The announcement was reported amid ongoing tensions, with a ceasefire in Gaza that is fragile. Since hostilities resumed after the October attack by Hamas, more than 71,550 casualties have been reported in Gaza, raising grave humanitarian concerns. Observers note that the composition of the Gaza Executive Board, which includes representatives from nations that aided ceasefire negotiations, has been communicated without direct alignment with Israeli policy, indicating potential friction in the peace process ahead.
Countries including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have agreed to join, alongside Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Vietnam, while others remain skeptical. Reports indicate that sizeable nations such as Canada, Russia, Turkey, and the UK have been invited but have yet to announce their participation. Norway, France, and Sweden have declined, citing various concerns regarding the board's framework.
The charter indicates that member states will serve renewable three-year terms but can secure permanent positions if they pledge $1 billion in contributions. Designed to be an international organization, the Board of Peace is said to seek stability and lawful governance, aiming for enduring peace in conflict-ridden areas.
Trump is expected to chair the board indefinitely, with the possibility for future presidents to nominate replacements. As chair, he holds the power to shape the board's structure and mission, appointing influential figures to an Executive Board.
The announcement was reported amid ongoing tensions, with a ceasefire in Gaza that is fragile. Since hostilities resumed after the October attack by Hamas, more than 71,550 casualties have been reported in Gaza, raising grave humanitarian concerns. Observers note that the composition of the Gaza Executive Board, which includes representatives from nations that aided ceasefire negotiations, has been communicated without direct alignment with Israeli policy, indicating potential friction in the peace process ahead.
