Donald Trump has claimed the world is “richer, safer and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago” as he hosted a launch event for his “board of peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos. At a signing ceremony, the US president said the organisation would be “one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world”.
US and Palestinian officials used the ceremony to outline a blueprint for implementing a ceasefire in Gaza and putting the territory under the day-to-day control of a Palestinian-run technocratic administration assembled in Cairo. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner presented a “master plan” for Gaza’s redevelopment, including a buffer zone around the border with Israel but a unified territory, rather than partitioned as it is now.
Kushner outlined a 100-day plan featuring a significant increase in aid deliveries, rehabilitation of essential infrastructure such as water, electricity and sewage systems, and reconstruction of hospitals and bakeries. He also showed delegates a property development map of Gaza and a computer-generated image of ‘New Gaza’ with coastal tourism.
Sir Tony Blair’s presence at the launch has prompted criticism in London, according to the Financial Times. Trump’s decision to invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to join the Board of Peace has caused unease in Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government. “Putin’s possible involvement puts Tony in a really difficult position,” said one senior minister.
Meanwhile, Trump’s declaration of a Greenland framework deal was met with scepticism as doubts persist. The World Economic Forum continues with further sessions scheduled for the final day.
