US President Donald Trump has declared the world “richer, safer and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago” as he hosted a signing ceremony for his new “board of peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump described the body as “one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world”.
During the ceremony, US and Palestinian officials outlined steps to implement a ceasefire in Gaza, including a plan for a Palestinian-run technocratic administration. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, presented a 100-day plan focusing on increased aid, infrastructure rehabilitation, and reconstruction. Ali Shaath, the Palestinian official designated to lead an interim administration, announced via video link that the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt would reopen next week for the first time since May 2024, calling it “Gaza’s lifeline”.
The announcements are likely to alarm Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which opposes a unified, Palestinian-run Gaza. Some Israeli ministers support settlements and oppose reopening Rafah until the body of hostage Ran Gvili is returned. The Israeli cabinet was due to discuss these developments on Thursday.
Trump focused on his past achievements, repeating his disputed claim to have stopped eight wars. Ministers and heads of government from 19 countries, including Morocco, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina, attended the ceremony. Trump described them as “in most cases very popular leaders – in some cases, not so popular”.
Despite concerns that the board might seek to replace the United Nations, Trump said the two could work together, adding that the UN had “tremendous potential” yet to be realised. The board, to be chaired by Trump, was initially part of his Gaza ceasefire plan but may take on a broader geopolitical role. Last week, Trump announced a “founding executive board” including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Kushner.
