Trump Invites Netanyahu to Found Gaza Peace Board Amid Controversy

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to join a newly proposed Gaza Board of Peace as a founding member. This initiative, which also includes former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, has drawn significant attention and criticism from advocates of Palestinian rights. The invitation coincides with Netanyahu’s recent objections to the inclusion of Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt on a separate advisory board, the Gaza Executive Board.

The Board of Peace, which Trump aims to chair, has been described as “Trump’s United Nations” by the Israeli news site Ynet. The former president has claimed that the board will “solidify peace in the Middle East” through a “bold new approach to resolving global conflict.” In a letter shared on the social media platform X by Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump indicated that this board would serve as a central component of his Gaza peace plan.

March 15, 2024, is the date set for the board’s launch, with membership open to select nations willing to lead on peace initiatives. Trump’s letter stated that the board would function as a “new international organization” tasked with temporarily governing the Gaza Strip. He expressed hope that the initiative would unite a “distinguished group of nations” to build lasting peace.

The proposal extends an invitation for Argentina to sign a letter of acceptance and ratify the charter, marking its status as a founding member. Trump emphasized the honor associated with this membership, asserting that it requires a commitment to invest in a secure and prosperous future.

International interest in the board is growing, with reports indicating that leaders from France, Germany, Australia, and Canada have also been invited. The presidents of Egypt and Turkey have confirmed their participation, while a European Union official revealed that Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, was approached to represent the EU.

Netanyahu’s office criticized the announcement of the Gaza Executive Board, stating that its formation “was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy.” The Israeli Prime Minister’s office instructed Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to discuss the matter with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, who was named as a founding member of the executive board.

The White House has confirmed that Blair, Rubio, special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will also serve on the Board of Peace alongside Netanyahu.

As the situation continues to develop, the implications of this peace initiative remain to be seen. The establishment of the Gaza Board of Peace is poised to significantly influence the region’s political landscape and the ongoing discourse around Palestinian rights.