Trump Invites Netanyahu to Found Gaza Peace Board with Blair

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to join him and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a founding member of a new initiative called the Gaza Board of Peace. This proposal has already drawn criticism from advocates of Palestinian rights, intensifying the ongoing debate over the region’s complex political landscape.

The invitation to Netanyahu reportedly comes amid his concerns regarding the inclusion of Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt on a secondary body known as the “Gaza Executive Board.” According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, Netanyahu is one of approximately 50 world leaders invited to participate in the Gaza Board of Peace, which Trump plans to chair. The initiative has been informally dubbed “Trump’s United Nations,” reflecting its ambitious scope.

Trump’s letter, shared on social media platform X by Argentine President Javier Milei, outlines the Board of Peace as a central element of his proposed Gaza peace strategy. He envisions it as a “new international organization” tasked with temporarily governing the Gaza Strip. In his communication, Trump stated, “Our effort will bring together a distinguished group of nations ready to shoulder the noble responsibility of building lasting peace.” He characterized membership as an “honour reserved for those prepared to lead by example” and underscored the importance of investing in a secure future.

The letter also indicates that Buenos Aires could join as a founding member by signing a letter of acceptance and participating in the charter’s ratification process. Trump expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Board of Peace members “toward the goal of establishing lasting world peace, prosperity, and greatness for all.”

In addition to Netanyahu, leaders from France, Germany, Australia, and Canada have also been invited, according to reports from Reuters. The presidents of Egypt and Turkey have confirmed their invitations, while a European Union official stated that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was asked to represent Brussels.

Netanyahu’s office has responded critically to the establishment of the Gaza Executive Board, asserting that the inclusion of Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt “was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy.” The Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, has been directed to discuss these developments with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, who was announced as a founding member of the executive board.

The White House has confirmed that Blair will join Trump, Rubio, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, on the Board of Peace. This formation represents a significant shift in diplomatic efforts concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict, drawing both support and criticism from various international stakeholders.

As the initiative unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the already delicate balance of power in the region.