Doha, Qatar – The foreign ministers of eight nations – Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – have announced their collective decision to join the “Board of Peace,” an initiative proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This move signals a potentially significant shift in international efforts toward a lasting resolution to the Gaza conflict and broader regional stability.
The announcement, made today, follows an invitation extended to the leaders of these countries by Trump to participate in the Board. Each nation will now proceed with the necessary legal and administrative steps to formally join, with Egypt, Pakistan, and the UAE having previously indicated their acceptance. The Board’s stated mission is to facilitate a transitional administration as outlined in a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict.
Understanding the Board of Peace and its Role in Gaza
The Board of Peace, as envisioned by Trump, is intended to be a multi-national body overseeing the implementation of a peace plan for Gaza. This plan, details of which were released in May 2024, aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, support the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and ultimately advance a just and lasting peace based on Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The initiative has garnered attention as a potential alternative or supplement to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The UN Security Council Resolution 2803 Connection
The ministers explicitly linked their countries’ participation to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803. This resolution, passed earlier in May, called for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of conditions for a sustainable peace in Gaza. The Board of Peace is presented as a mechanism to support the implementation of the goals outlined in Resolution 2803, particularly regarding reconstruction and long-term stability.
However, the specifics of how the Board will operate and its relationship with existing international bodies remain somewhat unclear. The plan relies heavily on securing commitments from all parties involved, including Israel and Palestinian representatives, which has proven challenging in the past.
The involvement of these eight nations represents a diverse range of perspectives and influence within the region and the broader international community. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, for example, have been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, while Indonesia and Pakistan have historically been strong supporters of the Palestinian cause. Türkiye maintains close ties with both Israel and Palestinian groups. Egypt and Jordan share borders with Gaza and have a vested interest in regional security.
The ministers’ joint statement emphasized their commitment to a peace grounded in international law and the Palestinian right to self-determination. This aligns with the long-standing position of many of these countries, but the practical application of these principles within the framework of the Board of Peace will be a key point of observation. The initiative has been met with skepticism by some, who question the feasibility of achieving a lasting peace under the current circumstances.
The timing of this announcement is significant, coming amidst continued efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. While a ceasefire proposal brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt has been presented, its acceptance remains uncertain. The Board of Peace could potentially play a role in overseeing the implementation of any agreed-upon ceasefire and subsequent reconstruction efforts.
The next step involves the formal signing of joining documents by each country, a process expected to unfold over the coming weeks. The speed at which these procedures are completed will be an indicator of each nation’s level of commitment. Furthermore, the response from Israel and Palestinian leadership to the formation of the Board of Peace will be crucial. The success of this initiative hinges on securing their participation and cooperation, a challenge that remains to be seen. The long-term impact of the Board on the Gaza situation and regional stability remains uncertain.
