US Announces Founding Members of New Gaza Peace Body
Pakistan has been named among the 26 founding members of US President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace” for Gaza. The announcement was made on Wednesday as the initiative moved from proposal to formal structure. The board aims to support peace-building and stability in conflict-affected regions.
The list of founding members includes several key countries from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Pakistan joins Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia, Argentina, and Bahrain. The diverse membership reflects Washington’s effort to bring together countries from different regions and political backgrounds.
Other founding members include Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Egypt, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Mongolia, Morocco, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The group represents a mix of Muslim-majority states, developing economies, and strategic US partners.
The board was officially introduced by President Trump on January 15. The announcement was part of his broader Gaza plan, which also helped pave the way for a ceasefire agreement in the region.
Launch of Board and Absence of Major European Powers
A week after its formal introduction at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Board of Peace launched its official account on X. The launch signaled the beginning of formal engagement and public communication by the new body.
Notably, major European powers are missing from the founding list. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom were not included. Their absence comes amid growing tensions with the Trump administration. Disagreements over Greenland, trade tariffs, and foreign policy priorities have strained relations between Washington and several European capitals.
According to reports, these political differences may have influenced their exclusion. Analysts believe the absence of leading European nations could affect the board’s global credibility. However, supporters argue that the current lineup still represents a broad international coalition.
Ukraine also raised concerns over the board’s composition. Ukrainian officials questioned how participation would work alongside Belarus, given ongoing regional tensions. Russia, however, is not part of the board.
Despite not being included, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow was willing to contribute financially. He offered to allocate one billion dollars from Russian assets frozen by the previous US administration. The proposal has not been formally accepted or addressed by the board.
Expanded Mandate Beyond Gaza Ceasefire
The Board of Peace was initially conceived to oversee the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction efforts. Its original focus was humanitarian assistance and rebuilding damaged infrastructure. However, the board’s charter has since expanded its scope.
The updated mandate now includes peace-building initiatives in all regions affected by conflict. This broader role positions the board as a long-term diplomatic and development platform. It is expected to engage in mediation, post-conflict recovery, and regional stability efforts.
Pakistan’s inclusion highlights its growing diplomatic role in international peace initiatives. Islamabad has often called for peaceful resolutions to conflicts, especially in the Middle East. Officials believe participation will allow Pakistan to contribute constructively to humanitarian and peace-building efforts.
The board’s success will depend on coordination among its members. Observers say challenges remain due to political differences and regional rivalries. However, supporters view the initiative as a step toward multilateral conflict resolution.
As the Board of Peace begins operations, global attention will remain focused on its actions. Its role in Gaza and beyond may shape future international peace efforts.
