In a significant diplomatic move, the United States has extended invitations to a diverse group of nations and bodies to join President Donald Trump's newly proposed 'Board of Peace', intended to oversee the next, contentious phase of the Gaza peace plan. The initiative, however, has been met with immediate and fierce condemnation from a senior Israeli minister.
Global Responses to the Board of Peace Invitations
The European Commission, Russia, Belarus, and Thailand confirmed on Monday, 19 January 2026, that they had received invitations to participate. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated President Vladimir Putin's administration was "studying the details", while the Thai Foreign Ministry said it was reviewing the offer. Belarus announced President Alexander Lukashenko was ready to take part.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen received an invitation and will consult other EU leaders, confirmed spokesperson Olof Gill, who noted the EU's desire to contribute to ending the conflict. In contrast, a French official close to President Emmanuel Macron said France would not join "at this stage", raising concerns about the board's respect for UN principles.
The board's charter, details of which remain private, suggests a bold new approach to global conflict resolution, potentially rivalling the UN Security Council. A US official, speaking anonymously, revealed that a $1 billion contribution towards Gaza's reconstruction secures permanent membership, while a three-year appointment requires no financial commitment.
Israeli Objections and Regional Dynamics
The plan faced a blistering attack from Israel's far-right Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich. He dismissed the board as a "raw deal" for Israel and demanded its cancellation. "Gaza is ours," Smotrich declared, advocating for an Israeli military administration and threatening a renewed full-scale offensive if Hamas did not disarm.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later sought to downplay tensions, stating differences over the advisory committee's composition would not harm his relationship with Trump. He firmly ruled out the presence of Turkish or Qatari soldiers in Gaza. Notably, Israel has not been invited to join the committee, unlike its regional rival Turkey. Netanyahu's office earlier stated the board's formation was "contrary to its policy".
The Board's Mandate and Gaza's Future
The board is designed to supervise an executive committee tasked with implementing the tough second phase of the Gaza peace plan. This includes deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and managing the monumental reconstruction of the devastated territory. A recent World Bank assessment estimates the cost of rebuilding Gaza at a staggering $53 billion.
In a related development, Egypt's Foreign Minister Bader Abdelatty met with Ali Shaath, chief commissioner of the new Palestinian technocratic committee appointed to run Gaza's day-to-day affairs. Egypt pledged "complete support" for this interim administration until the Palestinian Authority assumes control.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK is in talks with allies about the board, indicating a willingness "to play our part" in advancing the peace plan's second phase. The final member list is expected to be announced imminently, possibly at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Ongoing Fragility and West Bank Tensions
Despite a ceasefire now over 100 days old, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains precarious. The UN World Food Programme, while reaching over a million people monthly, warns conditions are "extremely fragile", with 77% of the population in crisis-level food insecurity.
Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces launched a major counter-terrorism operation in Hebron. Mayor Khaled Dudin alleged the incursion aimed to clear land for further settlement expansion. In southern Gaza, health authorities reported three Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire on Monday, bringing the post-ceasefire death toll reported by the Gaza Health Ministry to over 460.
