New Delhi: The United States has extended invitations to India and Pakistan, along with several other countries, to join a newly proposed “Board of Peace” for Gaza, a development aimed at overseeing the next phase of reconstruction, governance, and investment following the latest Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The announcement, made by people familiar with the matter, comes as part of US President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to solidify stability in the region and foster post-conflict rebuilding initiatives.

The Board of Peace was unveiled by President Trump in the context of the second phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, designed to end the bombardment of Gaza that has devastated civilian infrastructure and displaced thousands. The initiative is intended to provide oversight and guidance on capacity-building, governance reforms, reconstruction projects, investment facilitation, and mobilization of capital within the war-torn enclave.

“India has been invited by President Trump to be part of the Board of Peace for Gaza,” a source familiar with the development said on Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity. No additional details were immediately provided regarding the scope of India’s involvement or any financial commitments associated with the invitation.

Similarly, Pakistan confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had received an official invitation from President Trump to join the board. The participation of both India and Pakistan is notable, given the longstanding tensions between the two countries, but reflects Washington’s strategy of engaging major regional players in stabilizing Gaza and supporting Palestinian governance.

Other International Invitations

Several other global leaders have reportedly been invited to join the board. These include Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and leaders from France, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Collectively, the board is expected to bring together a mix of political leaders, technocrats, and financial experts to provide strategic oversight on Gaza’s post-conflict recovery.

Details of the initiative have emerged through letters sent by President Trump to other heads of state, including Argentina’s President Javier Milei and Paraguay’s President Santiago Pena, which were posted on social media by the respective leaders. In his letter to Milei, Trump described the board’s purpose as aiming to “solidify peace in the Middle East” and “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.”

A draft charter, reportedly circulated to around 60 countries, outlines the financial and operational expectations for board members. According to reports by Reuters and the Financial Times, countries wishing to maintain membership beyond three years are expected to contribute $1 billion in cash. The charter describes the Board of Peace as “an international organisation that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.”

Leadership and Executive Members

President Trump announced that the board’s founding executive members would include several high-profile figures with previous experience in global and regional politics and finance. Among them are former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who has faced criticism for his role in the 2003 Iraq invasion, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

Many of these individuals have also been designated as members of a “Gaza executive board,” which is tasked with overseeing the so-called National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, comprised of Palestinian technocrats. This committee is expected to work under the guidance of the Board of Peace to manage governance reforms, supervise reconstruction, and facilitate economic revitalization in the region.

Aims and Scope of the Board

The Board of Peace is envisioned as a hybrid institution combining diplomatic, financial, and technical expertise to stabilize conflict-affected regions. Its mandate includes strengthening governance structures, ensuring rule-of-law compliance, coordinating foreign investments, and providing financial oversight for large-scale reconstruction projects.

In Gaza, the initiative is particularly focused on rebuilding critical infrastructure destroyed during military operations, restoring essential services such as electricity, water, and healthcare, and fostering economic opportunities to reduce long-term instability. By involving major global powers and regional stakeholders—including India, Pakistan, and Egypt—the board aims to ensure a multilateral approach to reconstruction that mitigates unilateral influence and enhances legitimacy among Palestinians and neighboring countries.

India’s Potential Role

While India’s specific role on the board has not been officially detailed, experts suggest that New Delhi could contribute in areas of technical expertise, governance capacity-building, and investment facilitation. India has historically engaged in humanitarian and developmental projects in conflict-affected regions and has provided aid to Palestine in sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure. Participation in the board would enable India to further expand its diplomatic engagement in the Middle East while reinforcing its role as a responsible global stakeholder.

Pakistan’s Participation and Regional Dynamics

Pakistan’s inclusion adds a complex dimension to the initiative. Islamabad has traditionally maintained strong support for the Palestinian cause, but its direct involvement in a multilateral board with India signals Washington’s intent to foster cooperation on humanitarian and governance issues despite bilateral tensions in South Asia. Analysts note that Pakistan’s engagement may primarily revolve around financial assistance, diplomatic support, and oversight of humanitarian initiatives, complementing India’s technical and developmental contributions.

Financial Commitments and Controversy

The draft charter circulated by the Trump administration has attracted attention due to its financial stipulations. Members willing to maintain their role beyond three years are expected to contribute $1 billion. While this underscores the board’s ambition to mobilize substantial resources for Gaza’s recovery, it may also present political challenges, particularly for developing nations weighing domestic priorities against international commitments.

Critics of the initiative have raised concerns over the potential influence of individual board members with political or financial interests, citing Tony Blair’s controversial legacy and the prominent roles of private sector leaders in the governance of the board. Proponents argue, however, that leveraging the experience and networks of high-profile leaders is essential for mobilizing resources and ensuring effective reconstruction.

Global Response and Anticipated Outcomes

The announcement has generated global attention, with observers noting that the board represents a new model of post-conflict governance combining diplomacy, finance, and technical oversight. The initiative is expected to complement existing UN and regional efforts, such as UNRWA’s humanitarian programs and Egyptian mediation initiatives, by focusing on long-term reconstruction and governance reforms rather than immediate ceasefire enforcement.

The coming months will likely see discussions among invited countries regarding the structure, funding commitments, and operational guidelines of the board. While the initiative is in its early stages, participation by major powers—including India, Pakistan, and European countries—signals international recognition of Gaza’s strategic and humanitarian importance.

Conclusion

The formation of the Board of Peace for Gaza represents a bold attempt by the United States to oversee the next phase of reconstruction and governance in the region. By inviting India, Pakistan, and a host of other countries, the initiative aims to create a multilateral mechanism that combines financial support, governance oversight, and technical expertise to stabilize Gaza after years of conflict.

With high-profile figures such as Tony Blair, Jared Kushner, and Ajay Banga involved, and a potential $1 billion financial commitment required from participating countries, the board is poised to play a significant role in shaping the post-conflict trajectory of Gaza. As discussions advance, the global community will be closely watching whether this initiative can deliver effective reconstruction, support Palestinian governance, and contribute to lasting peace in a region long plagued by instability.