New Delhi: In a bold and unconventional approach to international diplomacy, the Trump administration has unveiled the “Board of Peace,” a high-powered
committee tasked with overseeing the reconstruction of a war-torn Gaza. The board features a striking “pay-to-play” incentive. The members who contribute 1 billion dollars to the rebuilding effort will be granted a permanent seat on the panel.
According to a US official speaking to CNN, the billion-dollar entry fee is designed to bypass the “administrative bloat” and “exorbitant salaries” that often characterise international aid organisations.
Where will 1 billion dollars go
While the 1 billion dollar payment is not a requirement for entry, those who do not contribute will be limited to three-year terms. All funds raised through this “buy-in” are reportedly earmarked directly for Gaza’s infrastructure and recovery.
The ‘greatest board ever assembled’
President Donald Trump, who chairs the board, has touted the group as the “Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled.” The roster includes a mix of international political veterans, financial titans, and inner-circle advisors.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, among other top leaders of the world, have been invited by the US president to join the board. Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by the US President to join the board.
Foreign policy envoy Steve Witkoff, Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are also members of the board.
The board also include billionaire businessman Marc Rowan and World Bank President Ajay Banga as board members on the US president’s invitation.
A multi-tiered governance plan
The board is the centrepiece of a United Nations-backed American strategy to demilitarise and revitalise Gaza following two years of devastating war between Israel and Hamas.
Board of Peace: Under this plan, the board will manage high-level portfolios critical to long-term stabilisation, the White House said Thursday.
Palestinian Technocratic Committee: Will handle the day-to-day governance of the territory.
Gaza Executive Board: A support body including representatives from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE.
Notably, the plan currently excludes the Palestinian Authority (PA), the Hamas rival that governs parts of the West Bank. The U.S. expects the PA to eventually take the reins in Gaza only after completing extensive internal reforms.
Netanyahu opposes Turkey and Qatar’s inclusion as board members
The initiative has already met with sharp resistance from Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced his opposition on Saturday, specifically criticising the inclusion of Turkey and Qatar on the executive board.
Netanyahu stated that the move was “not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy,” citing long-standing Israeli accusations that both nations have supported and funded Hamas.
