The United States has invited at least eight additional countries to join President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, a new international body intended to oversee the reconstruction and future governance of Gaza. Hungary and Vietnam have accepted invitations to join the board, according to officials from both countries.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the charter has not been made public, said that a $1 billion contribution would secure a country's permanent membership on the Trump-led board. Without the contribution, membership would be limited to a three-year appointment. The official stated that the funds raised would be dedicated to rebuilding Gaza.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó told state radio Sunday that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a strong supporter of Trump in Europe, accepted the invitation. Vietnam's Foreign Ministry released a statement confirming that Communist Party chief To Lam also accepted the invitation.
India has received an invitation, according to a senior government official who spoke anonymously because the information had not been officially released. Australia has also been invited and will discuss the matter internally, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The Board of Peace signals President Trump's ambition to play a significant role in global affairs, particularly in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The specific mandate and operational details of the board remain unclear, as the charter has not been made public. The composition of the board and its decision-making processes are also yet to be fully defined.
The initiative comes as international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and political instability in Gaza continue. The territory has suffered from years of conflict, economic hardship, and limited access to essential resources. Reconstruction efforts have been hampered by ongoing security concerns and disagreements over governance.
The U.S. official said the Trump administration believes the Board of Peace can provide a framework for long-term stability and development in Gaza. However, the initiative has already drawn scrutiny from some international observers, who question the financial requirements for permanent membership and the potential for undue influence by contributing nations. The lack of transparency surrounding the board's charter has also raised concerns.
The U.S. State Department has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the Board of Peace. Further details about the board's structure, objectives, and operational plans are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The response from other nations invited to join the board is also being closely watched.
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