WASHINGTON – U.S. President Donald Trump is set to convene the inaugural meeting of his newly formed “Board of Peace” on Thursday, focusing on a proposed reconstruction plan for Gaza and outlining a $5 billion aid program. The meeting, structured similarly to cabinet sessions with each participating leader allotted approximately two minutes to speak, comes amid skepticism from several key international allies regarding the board’s composition and objectives.
While the initiative aims to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis and reconstruction needs in Gaza, the absence of Palestinian representation and the inclusion of figures aligned with controversial foreign policies have prompted several nations to decline participation. The board’s formation is viewed by some as an attempt to circumvent traditional diplomatic channels, particularly those led by the United Nations.
Poland will not be actively involved in the board, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk stating his government sees “no possibility of participation under the current circumstances and conditions.” However, Marcin Przydacz from the Presidential Chancellery will attend as an observer, citing the importance of maintaining strong Polish-American and transatlantic relations, according to the Polish Press Agency (PAP).
The meeting is expected to draw heads of state from Indonesia, Romania, Argentina, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, with Vietnam’s Party Chief and President Tô Lâm also anticipated to attend. Several prime ministers, including those from Pakistan, Hungary, Egypt, and Armenia, have indicated their participation. Turkey and Israel will be represented at the level of their foreign ministers. Belarus may also be represented by its foreign minister, according to reporting from The Washington Post.
Alongside Trump, speakers are expected to include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, presidential advisor Jared Kushner, and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, a member of the board, is also scheduled to deliver remarks.
Concerns Over Representation and Scope
A significant point of contention is the lack of a political representative from Palestine on the board. Diplomatic sources have indicated this omission is a key reason for the reluctance of several countries to participate. Spain, Austria, Norway, and Sweden have all publicly stated they will not join the initiative. Notably, traditional U.S. Allies such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are also absent from the meeting.
Canada was reportedly disinvited after its Prime Minister voiced criticism at the World Economic Forum in Davos. China, India, Brazil, and Russia have all received invitations but have yet to announce their decisions regarding participation, Anadolu Ajansı reported.
Trump’s Vision for the Board
The Board of Peace is intended to oversee the second phase of Trump’s Middle East plan, which focuses on the demilitarization and reconstruction of Gaza. Trump has suggested the board could potentially assume a long-term role in the region, potentially superseding that of the United Nations. Funding for the initiative will rely on voluntary contributions, with nations contributing at least $1 billion within the first year receiving permanent membership status.
The structure of the board and its long-term goals remain unclear, raising questions about its effectiveness and legitimacy in the eyes of the international community. The initiative’s success hinges on securing substantial financial commitments and fostering cooperation among a diverse group of nations with often-competing interests.
The meeting on Thursday will be a crucial test of the board’s viability and its potential to influence the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader regional landscape. The absence of key players and the ongoing concerns about representation suggest significant challenges lie ahead.
What comes next will depend on the level of financial commitment secured and the board’s ability to engage with all relevant stakeholders, including the Palestinian Authority. Further developments are expected in the coming weeks as participating nations assess the outcomes of the initial meeting and determine their long-term involvement.
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