The Trump administration has announced that nations must pay $1 billion to secure permanent membership on the newly established ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, a committee tasked with overseeing the enclave’s reconstruction following years of conflict. This requirement, detailed in recent reports, aims to fund rebuilding efforts while offering permanent seats to contributors, whereas non-paying members will serve limited three-year terms.
The Board of Peace was conceived as part of a United Nations-backed American plan to demilitarize and rebuild Gaza, which has been ravaged by the prolonged Israel-Hamas war. President Donald Trump will chair the board, which includes high-profile figures such as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Other members include Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel, billionaire Marc Rowan, and World Bank head Ajay Banga.
According to a U.S. official, there is no cost to join the board initially, but the $1 billion payment within the first year of the charter’s start grants a permanent seat. All funds raised are designated for Gaza’s reconstruction, with assurances that the board will operate without ‘exorbitant salaries and massive administrative bloat’ typical of international organizations. This financial model is intended to ensure efficient allocation of resources directly to recovery projects.
The board’s mandate extends to stabilizing Gaza for long-term success, with members assigned specific portfolios critical to the region’s future. A separate ‘Gaza executive board’ will support governance, involving officials from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and some Board of Peace members. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed opposition to the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar, citing their alleged support for Hamas and lack of coordination with Israeli policy.
Several countries have confirmed invitations to join the board, including Hungary, India, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan, with earlier invites extended to Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, and Albania. The full list is expected to be announced soon. The board’s formation underscores a shift in international approach to Gaza, emphasizing financial contributions from member states to drive reconstruction.
Critics and observers note that the board lacks representation from the Palestinian Authority, which is expected to assume control of Gaza after reforms. This absence raises questions about local ownership and the long-term political landscape. The board’s structure, with Trump having final approval on decisions despite majority voting, also centralizes authority in the U.S. presidency.
The initiative comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace in the region. By tying permanent membership to substantial financial commitments, the Trump administration seeks to incentivize direct investment in Gaza’s recovery while consolidating influence over the reconstruction process. The success of this model will depend on international participation and the effective implementation of rebuilding plans in a complex geopolitical environment.
