Trump at the Gaza peace conference in Egypt in October N. Prabhakaran Dubai: US President Donald Trump has invited India to join the 'B...
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| Trump at the Gaza peace conference in Egypt in October |
N. Prabhakaran
Dubai: US President Donald Trump has invited India to join the 'Board of Peace,' a committee formed to oversee the governance and reconstruction of post-war Gaza. The White House announced that the project consists of a main board chaired by Trump himself, a committee of Palestinian technocrats to manage Gaza's administration, and a secondary 'Executive Board' with an advisory role. Pakistan has also received an invitation from Trump to join this committee.
India is considered a country acceptable to both sides due to its historic ties with both Israel and Palestine. While maintaining a strategic partnership with Israel, India has consistently provided humanitarian aid to Palestine. India was among the first countries to send aid to Gaza via Egypt when the current conflict began. Trump's invitation underscores India's significant role and position in today's global geopolitical landscape.
Israel’s Strong Objection to Pakistan Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed receiving the invitation. However, Israel holds a firm stance against Pakistan's inclusion. Pakistan, which has no diplomatic ties with Israel, has strongly opposed Israel's military actions in Gaza, labeling them as 'genocide.' Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is adamant that such a country should not be on the committee. Israel also views with concern past incidents, such as Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir hosting Hamas leaders in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Reuven Azar, Israel's Ambassador to India, had previously stated that Pakistan's involvement in Gaza's future would be unacceptable to Israel.
The board was formed on January 15 as part of Trump's 20-point peace plan. While it aims to resolve global conflicts in the future, diplomats expressed concern that this move could undermine the United Nations (UN). This comes at a time when UN influence is seen as waning due to US funding cuts. However, the UN Security Council had previously endorsed the US 20-point plan for Gaza peace.
Currently, only Hungary, a Trump ally, has fully accepted the invitation. Canada's Mark Carney has accepted in principle. King Abdullah of Jordan is conducting legal reviews regarding the invitation. Invitations were sent to approximately 60 nations. Most countries have not reacted publicly, though officials privately worry about the UN's diminishing relevance.
Netanyahu’s office criticized the composition of the 11-member 'Gaza Executive Board,' specifically the inclusion of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is a vocal critic of Israel. Israel is also dissatisfied with the presence of Qatar and Pakistan. Besides India, countries like Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania have been invited. Netanyahu’s office stated that this committee was formed without consulting them and contradicts Israel's policies.
The US Response: "This is our program, not his (Netanyahu's). If we are to be involved in Gaza, it will be on our terms."
Executive Board Members:
Ajay Banga (President of the World Bank)
Hakan Fidan (Foreign Minister of Turkey)
Ali Al Thawadi (Qatar Representative)
Hassan Rashad (Egyptian Intelligence Chief)
Tony Blair (Former British PM)
Jared Kushner & Steve Witkoff (USA)
Yakir Gabay (Israeli-Cypriot Businessman)
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| President Donald Trump delivers a speech at the Gaza Peace Summit at the Gaza International Peace Summit, Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, October 13, 2025 |
The board's objective is to monitor developments in Gaza as the ceasefire agreement (which came into effect on October 10) enters its second phase.
Goals:
Oversee the formation of the new Palestinian Committee in Gaza.
Deploy international security forces.
Disarm Hamas.
Reconstruct war-torn Gaza.
Despite Israel's opposition to Turkey and Qatar, Trump praised their role in persuading Hamas to agree to the ceasefire in October. The Trump administration views their presence as essential for post-war management. The first meeting of this peace board is expected to take place on Wednesday during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The board is currently authorized to function until the end of 2027.
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