Gaza Peace Board First Meeting Sees India Steps In as Observer
India on Thursday attended the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace on Gaza as an observer, without formally joining the initiative aimed at the redevelopment of the war-ravaged Gaza Strip. The meeting was held at the Donald J Trump Institute of Peace in Washington DC, where representatives from 27 member nations gathered to discuss the framework of the new initiative. India was represented by Chargé d’affaires at the Indian Embassy, Namgya Khampa, according to reports.
The Board of Peace has been set up by President Trump under the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Gaza Strip has been devastated after two years of conflict, with large-scale destruction to housing and infrastructure.
US Pledges 10 Billion Dollars to Rebuild Gaza
At the inaugural session, President Trump pledged $10 billion for the Board of Peace, stating that the United States would fund the initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza. The US has also outlined an initial $1 billion reconstruction package focused on housing and infrastructure development. However, funding will be tied strictly to security conditions. Under the structure of the Board:
- Trump will wield veto power.
- He can remain head of the Board even after leaving office.
- Countries seeking permanent membership instead of a two-year term must pay $1 billion.
- The Board currently includes 27 nations.
Member countries include Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
Trump’s Peace Board Seen as Potential Rival to the United Nations
The Board of Peace has drawn attention globally as it is perceived by some as a potential rival to the United Nations.
President Trump has previously stated that the Board of Peace “might” replace the UN, arguing that the United Nations has not lived up to its potential.
The executive board, finalised on January 17, consists of a mix of diplomats and financial leaders, including:
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Jared Kushner
- World Bank President Ajay Banga
The composition reflects a combination of political and economic leadership aimed at directing reconstruction efforts.
How the Gaza Peace Board Will Operate and Fund Projects?
The Board’s mandate focuses primarily on rebuilding Gaza following extensive destruction caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
While the United States has committed significant financial support, funding is linked to security guarantees. Details of operational mechanisms, oversight, and timelines are expected to be clarified in subsequent meetings.
Countries joining the Board for permanent membership are required to contribute $1 billion, while others may participate on two-year terms.
Global Context
The initiative was announced during the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Trump has positioned the Board as a mechanism to bring lasting peace to Gaza and potentially address other global conflicts in the future.
The formation of the Board comes at a time of shifting global diplomatic alignments and renewed debates about international institutions’ effectiveness.
India’s participation as an observer reflects its continued diplomatic engagement on international peace and reconstruction efforts, while maintaining a measured approach toward formal membership in the initiative.
The inaugural meeting of Trump’s Board of Peace marks the beginning of a new diplomatic and financial framework focused on Gaza’s reconstruction. With a $10 billion US commitment, a structured executive board, and participation from 27 nations, the initiative is set to play a significant role in post-war redevelopment discussions.
India’s presence as an observer adds another dimension to the evolving global response to the Gaza situation, as countries weigh their roles in the newly established body.
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