More than 10 countries have signed on for President Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza, sources familiar with the discussions told CBS News, though only five — United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary and Canada — have publicly accepted his invitation to join, according to the report. As the president envisions it, the group would comprise world leaders with him serving as chairman, and countries could contribute $1 billion to become permanent members rather than holding a standard three-year term, the White House said, although Canada has stated it will not pay to join, while some participating countries may contribute far less, possibly around $20 million, one source said.
A White House official told CBS News over the weekend that “virtually every dollar” raised would be spent on the board’s mandate in Gaza, while fundraising to rebuild Gaza would be handled separately, according to one U.S. official. Another U.S. official said the president wants a signing ceremony for the board at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday and has been weighing whether the board’s work should extend beyond Gaza and potentially serve as a rival to the United Nations.
However, the initiative faces resistance from some U.S. allies, particularly as the president renews his push to acquire Greenland and has not ruled out the use of military force, raising concerns that low support could prove embarrassing in Davos. Russia has also been invited despite its ongoing assault on Ukraine, and on Monday night the president threatened France with 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne if it does not join the board, though the White House has not clarified whether Mr. Trump was serious or joking; at this point, France does not intend to respond favorably, according to a source familiar with its deliberations. The White House said the Board of Peace will “play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the president’s Gaza plan, providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.”