US President Donald Trump has declared the world “richer, safer and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago” as he hosted a signing ceremony for his new “board of peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump described the body as “one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world”.
During the event, US and Palestinian officials outlined next steps for implementing a ceasefire in Gaza, including a plan for a Palestinian-run technocratic administration assembled in Cairo. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, detailed a 100-day plan involving increased aid, rehabilitation of water and electricity infrastructure, and reconstruction of hospitals and bakeries. An aspirational map showed a unified Gaza with a buffer zone around the Israeli border.
In a dramatic moment, Palestinian official Ali Shaath announced via video link that the Rafah crossing from Gaza to Egypt would reopen next week for the first time since May 2024. “Opening Rafah signals Gaza is no longer closed to the future or to the world,” he said, adding that Gaza would be rebuilt into “a centre for freedom, opportunity and peace”.
The announcements may alarm Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which opposes a unified, Palestinian-run Gaza. Some Israeli ministers support settlements and oppose reopening Rafah before the return of hostage Ran Gvili. The Israeli cabinet was due to discuss the developments on Thursday.
Trump focused on his past achievements, repeating his disputed claim to have stopped eight wars. Ministers and heads of government from 19 countries, including Morocco, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina, attended. Trump signed the inaugural document alongside the Moroccan foreign minister and the crown prince of Bahrain.
Despite concerns the board might supplant the United Nations, Trump said the two could work together, adding that the UN had “tremendous potential” yet to be realised. The board, to be chaired by Trump, was initially part of his Gaza ceasefire plan but may now take on a broader geopolitical role. Last week, Trump announced a founding executive board including former UK PM Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Kushner.
