Since its inception, the 'Board of Peace' introduced by former President Donald Trump is broadening its global involvement with Hungary and Vietnam formally agreeing to participate. This council is envisioned as an international mechanism focused on overseeing the forthcoming stage in Gaza following the ceasefire that commenced on October 10.
Reports identify at least eight additional countries that have received invitations to join this board, including India, Australia, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan. Officials in these nations acknowledge receipt of communication concerning participation, though confirmations of acceptance presently come only from Hungary and Vietnam.
According to the invitation letters, President Trump describes the Board of Peace as embarking on an innovative and ambitious strategy aimed at resolving international conflicts. The framework positions the board as a foundational group responsible for managing the implementation of the recent ceasefire, facilitating the disarmament of Hamas, and leading reconstruction efforts in the affected regions.
Several political leaders and officials have publicly shared their invitations on social media platforms. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced Hungary's acceptance as a founding member, citing the invitation as recognition of the country's efforts geared toward peace.
Similarly, Ambassador Sergio Gor expressed his honor in delivering the invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The invitiation emphasizes the Board's role in fostering enduring peace in Gaza alongside encouraging stable governance and economic prosperity.
In South America, President Javier Milei of Argentina publicly acknowledged his invitation and expressed respect for the initiative, highlighting Argentina's support for measures combating terrorism and advancing peace.
Additionally, Turkish official Burhanettin Duran noted that the United Nations Security Council endorsed Trump's Gaza proposal. Furthermore, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey has reportedly been invited to serve as a founding member of the Peace Council.
Nevertheless, the formation of the Board of Peace has met with criticism from various quarters. Jeremy Corbyn, Member of Parliament for Islington and former Labour Party leader in the UK, referred to the Board disparagingly as a 'Board of Occupation', emphasizing that Gaza's fate should ultimately rest with its residents rather than external figures such as Trump, Tony Blair, or Benjamin Netanyahu.
Dan Shapiro, a former American diplomat, articulated reservations about the board’s draft charter, pointing out that it seemingly excludes Gaza's participation, requires a substantial financial commitment of $1 billion per country for permanent membership, and confers indefinite authority upon Trump including appointing a successor. Shapiro warned that these terms are unlikely to gain acceptance from other governments.
Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office has also distanced itself from the initiative, clarifying that the announcement concerning the Gaza Executive Board, which would report to Trump’s Board of Peace, was not coordinated with Israeli authorities and further stressed that the contents of the announcement conflict with Israel’s official policies.