Former President Donald Trump returned to Davos on Thursday to officially launch his Gaza Board of Peace, joined by newly announced members primarily from the Middle East and South America. Trump described the board as “one of the most consequential bodies ever created” and said he was honored to serve as its chairman.
Western European leaders were notably absent. The U.K. had expressed concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s possible involvement, and although Putin was invited, he is reportedly still considering participation.
Earlier this week, Trump sparked controversy by suggesting the board “might” replace the United Nations. He later clarified that it would work alongside the UN, saying: “We’ll work with many others, including the U.N.” The UN had adopted the U.S.-sponsored resolution establishing the board in November.
On Gaza, Trump said the Israel-Hamas conflict is “really coming to an end” but warned Hamas to disarm. Referring to its members as “people born with rifles in their hands,” he said: “They have to give up their weapons, and if they don’t do that, it’s going to be the end of them.” He also called for the release of the final deceased Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili.
Trump emphasized Gaza’s strategic location, saying: “People that are living so poorly are going to be so well, but it all began with the location.”
The board comes a week after Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff launched Phase Two of the Gaza ceasefire plan, focused on “demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.” Phase One faced setbacks due to Hamas not handing over the final deceased hostage and Israeli airstrikes in October.
The Board of Peace will oversee the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), headed by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority deputy minister, which will manage day-to-day reconstruction efforts.
During his speech, Trump also highlighted U.S. military achievements, including strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year, and lauded his Venezuela operation, which resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
Trump praised the board members as “great people, great leaders,” adding that the organization is already “running beautifully.”
Board of Peace Members:
- Argentina: President Javier Milei
- Armenia: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan
- Azerbaijan: President Ilham Aliyev
- Bahrain: Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa
- Bulgaria: Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov (caretaker)
- Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orban
- Indonesia: President Prabowo Subianto
- Jordan: Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi
- Kazakhstan: President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev
- Kosovo: President Vjosa Osmani
- Mongolia: Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar
- Morocco: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita
- Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
- Paraguay: President Santiago Pena
- Qatar: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani
- Saudi Arabia: Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al‑Saud
- Turkey: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
- United Arab Emirates: Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority Khaldoon Al Mubarak
- Uzbekistan: President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev
The board is expected to provide oversight and guidance for Gaza’s reconstruction while coordinating with international partners to ensure stability and development in the territory.
