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 future of Gaza. Hungary and Vietnam have accepted the invitation, according to officials from both countries.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the charter has not been made public, stated that a $1 billion contribution would secure a country's permanent membership on the board, contrasting with a three-year appointment that requires no financial contribution. The official said the funds raised would be allocated 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 also released a statement confirming that Communist Party chief To Lam accepted the invitation.
India has also received an invitation, according to a senior government official who requested anonymity because the information had not been officially released. Australia has also been invited and will discuss the matter, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The Board of Peace signals Trump's ambition to play a broader role in global affairs. Details regarding the board's specific mandate and operational structure remain limited, as the charter has not been publicly released. The composition of the board and its decision-making processes are also unclear. The U.S. official indicated that the board's primary focus would be the reconstruction and stabilization of Gaza following recent conflicts.
The initiative comes amid ongoing international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to find a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United States has historically played a significant role in these efforts, though its approach has varied across administrations. The Trump administration previously pursued policies that were seen as favoring Israel, including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
The long-term implications of the Board of Peace and its potential impact on existing international frameworks for addressing the situation in Gaza remain to be seen. Further announcements regarding the board's membership, charter, and operational plans are expected in the coming weeks.
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