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DAVOS, SWITZERLAND— The geopolitical landscape shifted significantly at the World Economic Forum today as a coalition of key Middle Eastern and Global South nations officially joined President Donald Trump’s controversial “Board of Peace” (BoP) for Gaza.
While the initiative marks a major step toward operationalizing Phase Two of the U.S.-led 20-point peace plan, it has triggered a diplomatic rift, with Western allies expressing concerns over its “corporate” structure and its potential to bypass the United Nations.
A New Regional Coalition
In a rare display of unified regional support, a bloc of eight Muslim-majority nations—including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the UAE—issued a joint statement on Wednesday confirming their decision to join the Board. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed his acceptance, signaling a fragile but historic alignment on post-war governance.
The Board is designed to supervise the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic Palestinian body led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, tasked with restoring public services and rebuilding infrastructure.
The “Billion-Dollar” Seat: Governance or Pay-to-Play?
The Board’s charter has drawn intense scrutiny for its unconventional structure. According to documents circulated in Davos:
- Permanent Membership: Nations can secure a permanent seat by contributing $1 billion to the Gaza reconstruction fund.
- Standard Membership: Other invited nations serve a three-year term without a mandatory fee.
- Chairman for Life: The charter names Donald Trump as the Chairman, granting him sweeping powers to appoint or dismiss members—a move critics say mirrors a corporate board rather than a multilateral institution.
France, Norway, and Sweden have notably declined the invitation, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stating that while France supports a peace plan, it will not join an organization that “seeks to replace the United Nations.”
The View from New Delhi: India’s Dilemma
The Indian government remains one of the most high-profile “maybes” on the list. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who welcomed the initial ceasefire framework in October 2025, is reportedly weighing several strategic factors:
- The “Pakistan Factor”: With Pakistan already a confirmed member, Indian diplomats are concerned that staying out could give Islamabad a disproportionate influence over Middle Eastern security architecture.
- UN Primacy: India has traditionally supported UN-led multilateralism. Sources suggest the MEA is wary of the Board’s “international legal personality” which appears to rival the UN Security Council.
- The Two-State Solution: Experts, including former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Menon Rao, have cautioned that India must ensure the Board’s mandate strictly aligns with the long-standing goal of a sovereign Palestinian state.
India is expected to consult with the League of Arab States during a high-level meeting in New Delhi on January 30 before making a final announcement.
What’s Next?
President Trump is expected to host a formal signing ceremony for the first wave of members on the sidelines of the Davos summit today.
