WEB DESK: US President Donald Trump launched his board of peace on Thursday, initially aimed at ending the Gaza conflict but now envisioned with a broader global role that some fear could challenge or undermine the United Nations.
Trump will lead the board, inviting world leaders to address global challenges beyond Gaza. While he denies intending it as a UN replacement, some US allies have hesitated, citing funding obligations of $1 billion per permanent member.
Among the UN Security Council’s five permanent members, none except the US has joined. Russia is reviewing the proposal, France has declined, Britain is refraining for now, and China remains undecided.
Endorsed by a UN Security Council resolution as part of Trump’s Gaza peace plan, the board has drawn participation from about 35 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Belarus. The signing will occur at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The board’s mission, outlined in its charter, is to promote global peace, with Trump naming senior US officials and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to key positions.
The Gaza ceasefire agreed upon in October remains fragile, with ongoing violence causing casualties. Both Israel and Hamas blame each other for violations, including issues over aid and prisoner exchanges. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has accepted Trump’s invitation to join the board, while Palestinian factions back the plan and a transitional committee overseeing Gaza under the board’s guidance.
In Davos, Trump met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss the initiative, as Gaza faces unresolved issues like Hamas disarmament, Gaza security control, and Israel’s eventual withdrawal. Despite challenges, Trump has described the ceasefire as “peace in the Middle East.”
