Kremlin says Putin invited to Trump’s proposed Gaza 'Board of Peace'
WASHINGTON, DC: The Kremlin said Monday, January 19, that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza, a supervisory body intended to guide the territory’s post-war transition.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Putin had “received through diplomatic channels” an offer to participate and that Moscow is “hoping to get more details from the US side.” The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the reported invitation.
Putin invited via diplomatic channels
The reported outreach would place the Russian leader in a central role in Trump’s post-cease-fire framework for Gaza. Under the administration’s plan, the Board of Peace is designed to oversee a technocratic governing authority intended to replace Hamas’ control of the enclave.
The prospect of Putin’s inclusion is contentious. Russia maintains close ties with Iran, Hamas’ principal backer, and Putin remains under international scrutiny following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. That war continues to dominate European security and has produced mass casualties on both sides.
Peskov said the Kremlin is awaiting further clarification from Washington on the scope and terms of the invitation.
Billion dollar price for permanent seat
Trump, who has been announced as the inaugural chairman of the Board of Peace, retains veto authority over the panel and sole discretion over its membership. The White House confirmed over the weekend that permanent seats on the board will require financial commitments.
Temporary three-year terms would be free, but countries seeking permanent representation are expected to contribute $1 billion toward Gaza’s reconstruction. Trump has described the body as “the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled.”
Officials have said expected members include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Invitations have also gone out to leaders from Argentina, Egypt, and Turkey.
Israel claims lack of coordination
The board’s rollout has already triggered friction with key allies. Over the weekend, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the US announcement “was not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy.”
The statement underscored Israeli concern about an external governance structure being formed without prior consultation, even as Washington advances its plan for post-war administration in Gaza.
Moving to phase two of plan
The diplomatic activity comes as the administration advances the next stage of its Gaza Peace Plan. Last week, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said the US is entering phase two of the three-stage framework.
Phase one, which began in October, led to the release of all living hostages and a partial Israeli military pullback. Phase two calls for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza to international peacekeepers and a new governing authority. Hamas has publicly rejected disarmament.
Technocrat tapped to lead government
Despite Hamas’ stance, the administration is proceeding with contingency planning. Former Palestinian Authority official Dr Ali Sha’ath has been identified as a potential head of the new government should control be transferred.
The White House has described Sha’ath as “a widely respected technocratic leader” capable of restoring public services and rebuilding civil institutions. “The goal here is to create the alternative to Hamas that wants peace and to figure out how to empower them,” a senior official told The Post on Friday.
