President Donald Trump is pushing forward with a global peace plan. Recently, seven countries led by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey have agreed to join the "Peace Committee" aimed at restoring Gaza. Meanwhile, Russia remains reserved, seeking to review details first. Israel has shown displeasure after Trump included Turkey and Qatar in the administration without consulting them.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump announced significant progress on the "Board of Peace" project, stating that seven countries—Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Qatar—have signed a joint declaration to officially join the group, following Israel's earlier confirmation.
Trump claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted the invitation, but the Kremlin stated it is "considering" the proposal. However, Putin hinted that Russia is ready to support the Middle East mission with $1 billion from frozen assets. The Vatican indicated Pope Leo has been invited but needs time to decide. Slovenia was the first to decline, citing that the organization interferes with the existing world order.
The committee's draft charter defines it as an international organization with authority under international law, chaired by Donald Trump. The U.S. representative holds absolute power to appoint the board and dissolve subunits. Members donating $1 billion gain permanent seats. Analysts view this as an attempt to create a body that might replace some roles of the United Nations.
Though the primary goal is managing the ceasefire and Gaza's reconstruction, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government expressed displeasure that Trump appointed representatives from Turkey and Qatar to the board without prior coordination with Israel.
The situation in Gaza remains fragile despite an initial ceasefire agreement allowing hostage and prisoner exchanges. Progressing to the second phase, involving troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament, remains difficult as Hamas refuses to disarm without establishing an independent Palestinian state. The death toll in Gaza since the war began has surpassed 71,550.
Current members of the new group include Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Qatar. The original group consists of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Vietnam.
/BBC