Trump Board of Peace Gains Support from Eight Muslim Countries

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Eight major Muslim nations have agreed to join Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
The panel has a UN mandate to oversee postwar Gaza management until 2027.
Trump acknowledged some countries need parliamentary approval to formally join.

New Delhi: The Trump Board of Peace Muslim countries initiative received a major boost on Wednesday as eight prominent Muslim-majority nations jointly announced their decision to join the US-led panel aimed at postwar governance and conflict resolution. The move signals growing international backing for Donald Trump’s controversial peace initiative, even as concerns persist over its structure and global implications.

The announcement came amid Trump’s acknowledgment that some countries may face legal or parliamentary hurdles before formally joining the board.

Eight Muslim Nations Confirm Participation

In a joint statement issued by their foreign ministers, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates said they would each appoint a representative to the Board of Peace.

While Egypt, Pakistan and the UAE had previously confirmed their participation, the remaining five countries had been weighing the decision. Saudi Arabia’s entry is seen as particularly significant after weeks of silence from Riyadh, despite Trump publicly urging Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to join.

Mandate and Structure of the Board

The Board of Peace has been granted a United Nations Security Council mandate to oversee postwar management of Gaza until the end of 2027. However, US officials have indicated that Washington intends to use the body more broadly for global conflict resolution.

Under the proposal, the board would be chaired for life by Trump, with permanent members required to pay a $1 billion fee each. The panel is expected to meet only a few times a year.

Gaza Executive Board to Handle Core Decisions

Officials said most Gaza-related decision-making will be handled by a separate Gaza Executive Board, unveiled last week. That body includes representatives from Turkey, Qatar, the UAE and the United States, and is expected to play a more hands-on role in reconstruction, humanitarian aid and governance.

Support for Palestinian Statehood Reiterated

In their joint statement, the eight Muslim countries reaffirmed their commitment to “advancing a just and lasting peace grounded in the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood in accordance with international law.” They said such an outcome was essential for long-term security and stability in the region.

Trump Acknowledges Parliamentary Hurdles

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump acknowledged that some countries could not join immediately due to domestic approval requirements.

Also Read | Gaza Board of Peace: UAE and Bahrain Accept Trump’s Invitation

“Some need parliamentary approval,” he said during a meeting with Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, while insisting that interest in the board remains strong, even among countries not initially invited.

Putin Accepts Invitation, Trump Says

Trump also revealed that Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to join the Board of Peace. Describing the panel as one made up of influential figures, Trump said it would “get a lot of work done that the United Nations should have done,” though he added it would still work alongside the UN.

Mixed Global Reaction

US special envoy Steve Witkoff said 20 to 25 leaders have already accepted invitations, with a formal signing ceremony planned in Davos. Invitations have reportedly been sent to around 60 countries, with several including Israel, Argentina, Hungary and Vietnam—already on board.

However, some Western diplomats have voiced concern that the Board of Peace could undermine existing UN mechanisms, adding another layer of debate to an initiative that is rapidly reshaping the global diplomatic landscape.