DayofPal—US President Donald Trump is seeking to require countries to pay up to $1bn to secure long-term membership in his proposed Gaza “Board of Peace”, according to a draft charter seen by Bloomberg.
The document establishes Trump as the board’s inaugural chair with veto power over membership, raising concerns among diplomats that the initiative could function as a US-controlled rival to the United Nations.
Under the draft charter, states would be granted three-year membership unless they contribute more than $1bn in cash within the first year, a condition that would guarantee permanent membership.
The charter argues for the creation of a “more nimble and effective international peace-building body,” suggesting existing international institutions have failed to deliver lasting peace.
Critics say the language and structure centralize authority in Trump’s hands, particularly amid reports that he would control funds raised through membership fees.
Several world leaders have confirmed receiving invitations to join the board, which is intended to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and temporary governance following the war.
Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Pakistan, Canada, and Argentina are among the countries invited, with responses ranging from cautious review to acceptance in principle.
Bloomberg and AFP reported that additional invitations were extended to leaders in Europe and Latin America, though several states are said to oppose the draft charter’s terms.
Trump has also appointed a seven-member leadership team for the board, including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Blair’s appointment has sparked controversy due to his role in the 2003 Iraq war.
Blair, who was the British prime minister during the 2003 United States-led invasion and occupation of Iraq based on false claims over weapons of mass destruction, is regarded by many in the Arab world and in the United Kingdom as a “war criminal”.
Since leaving office, Blair has faced sustained criticism for his work through the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), which has been accused of helping to launder the reputations of hardline regimes.
The institute has now been linked to Israel via its alleged involvement in plans for Gaza’s future. TBI was connected to a controversial private proposal which envisioned remaking Gaza into a commercial hub, described in planning documents as a “Trump Riviera”, according to the Financial Times.
The plan, backed by Israeli businessmen and supported by the Boston Consulting Group, included mechanisms that could incentivise the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, prompting fears of ethnic cleansing under the guise of reconstruction.
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