Trump Proposes Board of Peace for Gaza Reconstruction
Trump proposes Board of Peace for Gaza reconstruction, faces invite acceptance challenges.
Photo by Anderson Schmig
At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, the Board of Peace, proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was formally established to oversee the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza. The board is part of a broader global effort to rebuild Gaza, following a 20-point peace plan announced in September 2025.
The board will oversee the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, headed by Ali Shaath. The charter does not expressly mention Gaza, indicating a potential expansion of its mandate to other conflicts. France, Sweden, Norway, and Slovenia have declined invites to join the board.
India was invited but is yet to make a decision. Russia and China have been invited as well. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, and Turkiye have joined the board.
The UN Security Council approved a U.S.-backed resolution for the Board of Peace to operate until 2027, with Gaza as the sole focus. Several nations have expressed concerns that the board will overshadow the UN.
Key Facts
Board of Peace established: January 22, 2026
Proposed by: Former U.S. President Donald Trump
UN Security Council approved: Until 2027
Membership: 50 countries and private entities invited
Permanent membership: $1 billion donation within first year
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: International Relations, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas
Potential questions on India's role in conflict resolution
Visual Insights
Board of Peace: Member Nations
Map showing the countries that have joined the Board of Peace for Gaza Reconstruction, along with those who declined or are considering.
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More Information
Background
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep historical roots, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of Zionism and Arab nationalism. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, promising a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine, further complicated the situation. The British Mandate for Palestine, established after World War I, saw increasing tensions between Jewish and Arab populations, culminating in the 1947 UN Partition Plan, which proposed dividing Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states.
The subsequent 1948 Arab-Israeli War led to the establishment of the State of Israel and the displacement of a large number of Palestinians, known as the Nakba. The Six-Day War in 1967 resulted in Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights, further fueling the conflict. Numerous peace initiatives, such as the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, have attempted to resolve the conflict, but a lasting solution remains elusive.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen a continuation of violence and stalled peace negotiations. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank remains a major point of contention. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be dire, with limited access to resources and frequent escalations of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Abraham Accords, brokered by the U.S. in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries, but did not address the core issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories, which has been opposed by Israel and the U.S.
Future prospects for peace remain uncertain, with deep divisions and a lack of trust between the parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts about the Board of Peace for the UPSC Prelims exam?
The Board of Peace was proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump and established on January 22, 2026, to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza. It was approved by the UN Security Council until 2027. 50 countries and private entities have been invited to join, with a $1 billion donation required for permanent membership.
Exam Tip
Remember the date of establishment (January 22, 2026) and the proposer (Donald Trump).
2. What is the purpose of the Board of Peace, and why is it important in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
The Board of Peace aims to oversee the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza, following a 20-point peace plan announced in September 2025. It is important because it represents a global effort to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and promote stability in the region, given the ongoing conflict and stalled peace negotiations.
3. How does the Board of Peace differ from other international organizations involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
The Board of Peace, proposed by a former U.S. President, focuses specifically on overseeing Gaza's reconstruction. Unlike broader organizations like the UN, it has a defined timeline (until 2027) and a membership structure based on invitations and financial contributions for permanent status. The charter does not expressly mention Gaza, indicating a potential expansion of its mandate to other conflicts.
4. What are the potential pros and cons of India joining the Board of Peace?
Pros include strengthening diplomatic ties with participating nations and contributing to regional stability. Cons could involve potential strain on relations with non-participating countries and financial commitments. India is yet to make a decision.
5. Why is the Board of Peace in the news recently?
The Board of Peace is in the news because it was formally established at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026. The news also highlights the challenges it faces, with some countries declining invitations to join.
6. What are the important dates to remember regarding the Board of Peace?
Key dates include September 2025, when the 20-point peace plan was announced, and January 22, 2026, when the Board of Peace was formally established. The Board is approved by the UN Security Council until 2027.
Exam Tip
Create a timeline to remember these dates in chronological order.
7. Who are the key personalities associated with the Board of Peace?
Key personalities include former U.S. President Donald Trump, who proposed the board, and Ali Shaath, who heads the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza. Vladimir Putin has also been invited.
Exam Tip
Focus on the proposer and the head of the National Committee for Gaza.
8. What are the recent developments regarding the membership of the Board of Peace?
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, and Turkiye have joined the board. France, Sweden, Norway, and Slovenia have declined invites to join the board. India was invited but is yet to make a decision. Russia and China have been invited as well.
9. What is the significance of the Board of Peace charter not expressly mentioning Gaza?
The fact that the charter does not expressly mention Gaza indicates a potential expansion of the board's mandate to other conflict zones in the future. This implies a broader application beyond the immediate reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
10. How could the establishment of the Board of Peace impact common citizens in Gaza?
If successful, the Board of Peace could improve the living conditions for common citizens in Gaza through reconstruction efforts, providing access to essential services, and fostering a more stable environment. However, its success depends on the cooperation of various stakeholders and the effective implementation of the 20-point peace plan.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the 'Board of Peace' proposed for Gaza reconstruction: 1. The Board's charter explicitly mentions Gaza as its sole area of operation. 2. France and Germany are among the nations that have accepted invitations to join the Board. 3. The UN Security Council resolution allows the Board to operate indefinitely. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The charter does NOT expressly mention Gaza, suggesting a potential broader mandate. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: France, Sweden, Norway, and Slovenia declined invitations. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The UNSC resolution approves the Board's operation until 2027.
2. Which of the following countries are NOT part of the 'Board of Peace' proposed for Gaza reconstruction, as of January 2026? 1. Saudi Arabia 2. France 3. Qatar 4. Slovenia Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 3 only
- B.2 and 4 only
- C.1, 3 and 4 only
- D.2, 3 and 4 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
France and Slovenia declined invitations to join the Board of Peace. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are members.
3. Consider the following statements: 1. The Balfour Declaration of 1917 supported the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. 2. The Six-Day War in 1967 resulted in Israel's occupation of the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Answer: C
Both statements are correct. The Balfour Declaration indeed supported a Jewish national home in Palestine, and the Six-Day War led to Israel occupying the Sinai Peninsula (among other territories).
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