By Keerthi Ramesh
President Donald Trump’s effort to create a new international body to navigate post-war governance and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip has drawn a mix of support, caution and outright refusal from world capitals ahead of a high-profile signing ceremony this week at the World Economic Forum.
Trump, who plans to chair the so-called Board of Peace, has invited countries to join the group that he says will oversee the next phase of his U.S.-backed cease-fire plan in Gaza and, potentially, later tackle broader global conflicts. Organizers have framed the initiative as a fresh approach to international cooperation, but reactions abroad have been sharply divided.
READ: India among nations Trump eyes for Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ plan (January 19, 2026)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as one of the earliest formal supporters, announcing its endorsement and willingness to participate actively in the board’s work. In a significant shift, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also agreed to join the initiative after initially expressing reservations about the board’s makeup. Others, such as Hungary and Morocco, have publicly signaled their backing; Argentina, Belarus and Vietnam have also been reported as prospects.
But not all reactions have been positive. Italy, citing constitutional concerns about joining an international body that places one leader in a permanent chair position, declined to participate, according to Italian media reports. Several Western allies have expressed unease that the board could duplicate or undermine the United Nations’ longstanding peacekeeping role.
Scholars and diplomats describe the initiative as untested and politically impractical. Some European capitals have been reluctant to commit publicly, instead seeking more details about the board’s mandate, legal standing and relationship with existing global institutions. French officials have been among those voicing skepticism, underscoring the need for multilateral efforts rooted in broad international consensus.
The board’s planned launch at Davos has become a potential diplomatic flashpoint. Trump aides say they want the signing ceremony to send a clear signal that the world is ready to unite behind new strategies for conflict resolution. But a lack of unified support among traditional U.S. partners threatens to undercut that message.
READ: South Asian-run Bloom charity helping children in Gaza(December 15, 2024)
Critics argue the approach reflects Trump’s tendency to put the United States at the canter of global governance. By positioning himself as the board’s life-long chair and suggesting hefty financial contributions, with proposals such as the nations paying up to $1 billion for permanent seats. The plan has already stirred controversy. Supporters counter that fresh ideas and funding are overdue as Gaza transitions from military conflict to fragile peace.
As delegates gather in Davos, diplomats and analysts say much of this plan moving forward will depend on how clearly Washington can articulate the board’s functions and how vocally allies and rivals alike choose to shape their engagement. Trump’s team insists the initiative is rooted in a desire to rebuild and stabilize Gaza, even as debates continues over how that role should intersect with established multilateral frameworks.