Trump Proposes $1 Billion Membership Fee for New Gaza Peace Board
Former US President Donald Trump has proposed that countries wishing to maintain permanent membership on the newly created US-backed Board of Peace would need to contribute $1 billion (£747 million). This board, unveiled by the White House, aims to support the peace process in Gaza but has already faced criticism for lacking coordination with Israeli authorities.
The Board of Peace: Structure and Membership
The Board of Peace, announced on Friday, is designed to supervise Gaza’s transitional administration. Chaired by Trump, the board will consist of an executive team of 11 members and potentially more additional members.
The US administration has reached out to approximately 60 nations, outlining the financial requirement for extended membership beyond a three-year period. This information was detailed in a draft charter reviewed by Reuters and initially reported by Bloomberg News.
Prominent figures on the board include Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, despite pushback from Israel against Turkish involvement in Gaza. Other notable members involve Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, both of whom played key roles in negotiating previous peace plans.
International Reaction and Implications
Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey’s presidents have confirmed their invitations to join the board. Leaders from France, Germany, Australia, and Canada are also reported to have been invited, along with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, representing the EU.
Major General Jasper Jeffers is set to lead an “International Stabilisation Force” tasked with security operations and the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance. This move indicates a significant international commitment signalling the global interest in maintaining peace in the region.
Context and Current Situation
This initiative comes on the heels of a fragile ceasefire established in October 2025 after extensive hostilities in Gaza. Despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, with ongoing accusations of violations from both Israel and Hamas. Following a surprise attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and numerous hostages, Israel’s subsequent military response led to the deaths of an estimated 70,000 more individuals within Gaza, according to official reports from the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
Trump’s Board of Peace aims to first address the issues in Gaza before expanding its remit to tackle conflicts in other regions, marking a bold and contentious step in international diplomatic efforts.
Background
The current proposal is part of Trump’s broader 20-point strategy to end the conflict in Gaza, initially introduced in September. The aim of the board is to facilitate peace in a region historically marred by violence and complex political dynamics, thus underscoring its potential global significance.
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