Former US President Donald Trump has extended a formal invitation to Russian leader Vladimir Putin to join a newly proposed 'Board of Peace', a body intended to oversee the critical next phase of the Gaza peace plan. The move has ignited a complex web of international diplomacy and drawn sharp criticism from Israel's government.
Global Reactions and Scrutiny
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that President Putin had received the invitation and stated the Kremlin is currently 'studying the details'. He added that Moscow would seek clarity on 'all the nuances' in further contacts with the United States.
The invitation appears to have been sent to a range of global figures. A European Commission spokesperson, Olof Gill, confirmed that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had also received an invitation and would discuss the matter with other EU leaders. While not confirming acceptance, Mr Gill stated the EU wants 'to contribute to a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict'.
Similarly, the Thai Foreign Ministry acknowledged it was reviewing an invitation. The exact list of invitees remains unclear, but the board's stated aim to 'embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict' has led to speculation it could position itself as a potential rival to the United Nations Security Council.
Fierce Opposition from Israeli Government
The proposal has met with immediate and vehement opposition from key figures within Israel's ruling coalition. Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly dismissed the Board of Peace as a 'raw deal for Israel' and called for its outright cancellation.
'It is time to explain to the president that his plan is bad for the state of Israel and to cancel it,' Mr Smotrich declared at a ceremony in the occupied West Bank. He asserted Israeli control over Gaza's future, stating, 'We will take responsibility for what happens there, impose military administration, and complete the mission.' He even suggested renewing a full-scale offensive if Hamas did not comply with a 'short ultimatum for real disarmament and exile'.
This stance was echoed by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which stated on Saturday that the board's formation was not co-ordinated with the Israeli government and is 'contrary to its policy'.
Board's Proposed Role and Membership
The board's stated purpose is to supervise an executive committee tasked with implementing the challenging second phase of the Gaza peace plan. This phase reportedly includes the deployment of an international security force, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of the devastated territory.
According to a US source, a billion-dollar (£740 million) contribution would secure a permanent seat on the board, with funds directed towards Gaza's rebuilding. A three-year appointment would require no financial contribution, though many operational details remain unspecified.
The US is expected to announce the official list of members in the coming days, potentially during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Diplomatic Moves and Humanitarian Context
In related developments, Egypt's Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty met with Ali Shaath, the newly appointed chief commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Egypt expressed its 'complete support' for this committee of Palestinian technocrats, which is set to run Gaza's daily affairs during the peace plan's second phase.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains severe. The UN World Food Programme reported it has 'significantly expanded' operations since the ceasefire began 100 days ago, now reaching over a million people monthly. It noted success in preventing malnutrition for 200,000 vulnerable women and children, and providing snacks to 235,000 children in temporary schools.
However, the WFP warned the situation is 'extremely fragile'. A December analysis indicated that 77% of Gaza's population faces crisis-level food insecurity, with over 100,000 people experiencing catastrophic hunger. In a reminder of the ongoing tension, Israeli forces killed a 17-year-old Palestinian in southern Gaza on Monday, according to hospital authorities.
UK and International Positioning
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Monday that the UK is in talks with allies regarding the Board of Peace. While not confirming a formal invitation, Sir Keir stated it is necessary to proceed with the Gaza plan's second phase and that the UK has 'indicated willingness, to play our part, and we will'.
The creation of this board by the former US president represents a significant and controversial intervention into one of the world's most intractable conflicts, setting the stage for a major diplomatic showdown and raising fundamental questions about the future governance and security of Gaza.
