The decision was announced in a joint statement issued in Doha by the foreign ministers of Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The statement said all eight countries had agreed in principle to participate and would complete domestic legal procedures to formalise their membership. Egypt, Pakistan and the UAE have already publicly confirmed their inclusion.
The Board of Peace is part of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan, which entered its second phase following the ceasefire. Under the plan, the United States has established the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), tasked with governing the territory and coordinating reconstruction efforts. The Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, will oversee the NCAG, manage fundraising and provide strategic direction. A separate Gaza Executive Board has also been created to handle operational matters.
The White House said board members will be assigned specific responsibilities, including strengthening governance, mobilising international funds, coordinating reconstruction projects and supporting regional stability. US officials indicated that additional members of both the Board of Peace and the Executive Board may be announced in the coming weeks.
Israel has criticised the move, saying the decision was taken without prior consultation. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the initiative contradicts Israeli government policy and confirmed that Foreign Minister Gidon Saar will raise the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Israeli officials have expressed particular concern over Turkey’s inclusion, citing Ankara’s strained relations with Israel and its outspoken criticism of Israeli military operations in Gaza.
China has rejected an invitation to join the board, reaffirming its preference for a United Nations-led framework, while Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would decide its position after consulting strategic partners.
The NCAG will be led by technocrat Dr. Ali Shaath, who will be responsible for restoring essential services such as water, electricity, healthcare and education, and for stabilising civil administration in Gaza. US officials say the committee will focus on rebuilding institutions and improving daily life for residents.
Media reports have suggested that permanent membership of the board may require a substantial financial contribution, but the White House has dismissed claims of a fixed entry fee, stating that permanent status will depend on demonstrated commitment to peace, security and development.
The broader initiative includes an economic development plan aimed at rebuilding Gaza through large-scale investments, the creation of special economic zones and new urban projects. US officials have said the plan does not involve forced displacement and is intended to encourage residents to remain and participate in Gaza’s recovery.
