Former US President Donald Trump has officially inaugurated his contentious 'Board of Peace' initiative for Gaza during a signing ceremony held in Davos on Thursday. The launch occurred amidst significant international criticism, primarily due to the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as invitees.
International Backlash and Key Absences
The ceremony, conducted on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, saw Trump sign the founding document. Notably, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair attended and was controversially named to the board. However, the initiative has faced immediate rejection from several of Washington's traditional allies.
British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper confirmed the UK's refusal to sign the treaty, citing legal concerns and objections to Putin's involvement in a peace-focused body. "We won't be one of the signatories today, because this is about a legal treaty that raises much broader issues, and we do also have concerns about (Russian) President Putin being part of something which is talking about peace," Cooper stated in an interview with BBC News from Davos.
European and Arab State Concerns
European nations, including France and Germany, have also declined to participate. Their reservations stem largely from the unexpected invitation extended to Vladimir Putin, whose military actions in Ukraine since February 2022 have drawn widespread condemnation. The absence of European countries from the founding membership list was particularly conspicuous.
Simultaneously, Arab states have expressed anger over the inclusion of Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli leader's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the reported deaths of approximately 72,000 Palestinians, making his participation in a peace board highly controversial.
Founding Members and Global Response
Despite the backlash, around 35 countries have committed to joining the board. Senior officials from 19 nations were introduced as founding members during the ceremony. Countries represented on stage included Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.
Notable commitments have come from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, and Belarus. Russia indicated late on Wednesday that it is studying the proposal after Trump announced its potential involvement.
Trump's Vision and Ceremony Remarks
Addressing the gathering, Trump framed the initiative within his broader geopolitical vision. "When America booms the entire world booms," he told attendees, emphasising a belief in American leadership driving global stability and prosperity.
The 'Board of Peace' is set to be overseen by Trump himself, marking a significant personal diplomatic venture. The board's formation and the mixed international reaction underscore deep divisions in global diplomacy regarding the Gaza conflict and broader peace efforts.
As the situation develops, further updates on country positions and the board's operational framework are anticipated. The ceremony has undoubtedly ignited a fresh debate on the parameters of international peacemaking and the roles of controversial figures in such processes.
