West Palm Beach, Florida – January 18, 2026 – President donald Trump is building a new international body to oversee the next phase of Gaza’s recovery, inviting at least eight additional countries to join what’s being dubbed the “Board of Peace.” Hungary and Vietnam have already accepted the invitations, signaling a potentially significant shift in global diplomacy.
A $1 billion Seat at the Table
The initiative raises questions about access and influence in post-conflict resolution.
- A $1 billion contribution guarantees permanent membership on the Trump-led board, while a three-year appointment requires no financial commitment.
- The funds raised are earmarked for reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
- The Board of Peace aims to oversee ceasefire implementation, establish a new Palestinian committee, deploy an international security force, and disarm Hamas.
The financial structure of the Board of Peace has promptly sparked controversy. A $1 billion contribution guarantees permanent membership, bypassing the three-year appointment option which doesn’t require funding. This financial aspect has immediately sparked debate about whether access to this influential body is being sold to the highest bidder.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a vocal supporter of Trump, has accepted the invitation, as announced by Foreign minister Péter Szijjártó on state radio Sunday. Vietnam’s Communist party chief, To Lam, also confirmed his acceptance through a foreign ministry statement.
Invitations have also extended to India,with a senior government official confirming receipt while speaking on background. Australia is reviewing the offer, with Deputy prime Minister Richard Marles stating Monday that the country will “talk it through with the U.S. to properly understand what this means and what’s involved.”
Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan confirmed receiving invitations Sunday, joining canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania, who had previously acknowledged their inclusion. The total number of invitations issued remains unclear.
A Potential Rival to the U.N.?
The U.S. plans to unveil the official membership list in the coming days, potentially during the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland. The Board of Peace is intended to oversee the next steps in Gaza, including the implementation of a ceasefire that began on October 10, a new Palestinian committee, the deployment of an international security force, disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of the war-torn region.
In letters sent to world leaders Friday, Trump described the Board of Peace as a means to “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.” This ambition raises the possibility of a direct challenge to the authority of the U.N. Security Council, a body created in the aftermath of World war II.
The 15-seat Security Council has been hampered by U.S. vetoes preventing action to end the war in Gaza, while the U.N.’s overall influence has been weakened by funding cuts, including those initiated during the Trump administration. Trump’s invitation letters highlighted that the Security Council had endorsed the U.S.20-point Gaza ceasefire plan,which includes the creation of the Board of Peace.
What is the primary goal of the Board of Peace? The board aims to oversee the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza,facilitate reconstruction,and establish a framework for long-term stability in the region.
The White House recently announced an executive committee tasked with implementing the Board of Peace’s vision. However, Israel voiced objections Saturday, stating the committee’s formation “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” though specific details were not provided. This criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office is unusual given the close alliance between the two countries.
The executive committee includes U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Trump’s deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel, and israeli buisness owner Yakir Gabay. Representatives from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey – key ceasefire monitors – are also included. Turkey’s role is particularly noteworthy, given its strained relationship with Israel but strong ties to Hamas, potentially enabling it to persuade the group to disarm and relinquish power in Gaza.
Worth a look
