Trump to launch Gaza 'Board of Peace' at Davos, set to chair new body

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND: President Donald Trump is preparing to formalize a major diplomatic initiative this week, with a signing ceremony scheduled in Davos on Thursday to launch the Gaza “Board of Peace.”

The President confirmed that he will personally chair the new international body, saying the role was requested by regional leaders who believe his involvement is essential to the project’s success.

The board is designed to oversee the post-conflict transition in Gaza, replacing Hamas’ control with an internationally supervised framework backed by economic and security partners.

Reluctant acceptance of leadership role

Trump said he did not seek the position but agreed after appeals from leaders across the region. “The Board of Peace, which will be headed, not at my request, believe me, I’m very busy, but we have to make sure this works,” he said.

He added that the request came from “the leaders of the Arab world and Israel and everybody involved.” “They asked me to do this,” Trump continued. “So it’ll be headed by a gentleman known as President Donald J. Trump of the United States.” While noting the added workload, he said the mission is “so important that I’m willing to do it.”

Tony Blair joins distinguished panel

The President said the board will include “highly qualified experts” and “very distinguished leaders” from multiple countries. He confirmed that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has agreed to participate.

“One of the people that wants to be on the board is the UK former Prime Minister, Tony Blair,” Trump said. “Good man, very good man.” He indicated that additional members would be announced in the coming days, adding that interest has increased since he confirmed his role. “Everybody wants to be on it now,” he said.

'Board of Peace' will work alongside the World Bank to help recruit

Under the plan, the 'Board of Peace' will work alongside the World Bank to help recruit, train, and support a new governing structure for Gaza made up of Palestinians and international experts.

Trump said there will be no role for militant groups. “Hamas and other  factions will play no role in the board,” he stated. He added that the exclusion extends to the future administration of Gaza itself, saying such groups will have no influence “directly or indirectly” over governance.

Administration officials said the board will also coordinate security guarantees and reconstruction funding, with participating nations expected to contribute personnel and capital. The White House described the framework as a bridge between ceasefire and self-rule, aimed at restoring basic services, reopening trade corridors, and stabilizing daily life for civilians.

US envoys said the model is intended to prevent a power vacuum while elections are prepared, with benchmarks tied to disarmament, border security, and the rebuilding of hospitals, utilities, and schools across the enclave.