In the evolving landscape of Middle East peace efforts, questions are mounting about the composition of the newly proposed Gaza peace board. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—a figure wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes—accepting an invitation to join, many are asking: Will the Gaza peace board consist of war criminals? This development, part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s phase two ceasefire plan for Gaza, has sparked international debate over objectivity, accountability, and the future of reconstruction in the region.
What Is the Gaza Peace Board?
The Gaza peace board, officially unveiled as part of Trump’s administration’s ceasefire agreement with Hamas, aims to oversee critical aspects of post-conflict recovery in Gaza. Its mandate includes governance capacity-building, fostering regional relations, reconstruction projects, attracting investments, and mobilizing large-scale funding. Announced amid ongoing efforts to end Israel’s war on Gaza, the board represents a shift toward international collaboration in stabilizing the area.
Key features of the board include:
- Membership Requirements: Participating states must contribute $1 billion for a permanent seat, emphasizing financial commitment to Gaza’s rebuilding.
- Executive Committee: Led by figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, and others, including representatives from the UAE, Morocco, and Turkiye.
- Broader Ambitions: Trump has hinted at expanding the board’s role globally, potentially challenging the United Nations’ influence, which he criticized as “dysfunctional” and underperforming.
This initiative follows phase one of the ceasefire, with phase two focusing on implementation through a separate Gaza executive board.
Netanyahu’s Invitation: A War Criminal on a Peace Board?
Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to join the Gaza peace board has ignited controversy. Despite an ICC arrest warrant issued in 2023 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, Netanyahu accepted Trump’s invitation on January 21, 2026. His office announced the move on social media, positioning it as a step toward influencing Gaza’s future.
Critics argue this inclusion undermines the board’s credibility:
- ICC Warrant Details: The warrant accuses Netanyahu of overseeing actions that led to widespread devastation in Gaza, described in reports as a “genocidal war.”
- Palestinian Skepticism: As noted by Al Jazeera’s Nida Ibrahim, Palestinians view Netanyahu as an “obstacle” to progress. They believe his primary interest lies in disarming Hamas rather than withdrawing Israeli troops beyond the so-called “yellow line,” raising doubts about genuine peace efforts.
- Israeli Internal Pushback: Netanyahu’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the board, advocating for unilateral Israeli control over Gaza. Earlier, Netanyahu’s office opposed the executive committee’s inclusion of Turkiye, Israel’s regional rival.
Netanyahu’s participation highlights a pattern: The board has also invited other indicted leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin (wanted by the ICC for actions in Ukraine) and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. This has led to widespread concerns that the Gaza peace board could indeed consist of war criminals, prioritizing political alliances over justice.
International Reactions to the Gaza Peace Board
The invitations have elicited mixed responses globally:
- Acceptances: Azerbaijan and Kosovo have joined, alongside members like the UAE, Morocco, Vietnam, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Argentina.
- Declinations: Sweden, Norway, and Italy have opted out. Italy cited constitutional violations, while Norway and Sweden emphasized commitments to organizations ensuring peace on equal terms.
- Pending or Cautious: China confirmed receiving an invitation but reaffirmed support for the UN-centered international system. The UK and EU have not responded publicly.
- Trump’s Vision: The U.S. president plans to sign the board’s charter at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and suggested it “might” replace the UN in certain roles, stating the global body “hasn’t been very helpful.”
These reactions underscore divisions, with some nations seeing the board as a pragmatic path to Gaza’s recovery, while others worry about bypassing established international frameworks.
Peace in Gaza: Hope or Hypocrisy?
The inclusion of figures like Netanyahu raises profound questions about the Gaza peace board’s effectiveness. Will it foster genuine reconstruction and stability, or will it serve as a platform for indicted leaders to evade accountability? Palestinians express deep skepticism, fearing the board could prioritize disarmament over troop withdrawal and humanitarian aid.
On the positive side, the board’s focus on investment and governance could attract billions in funding, aiding Gaza’s recovery from years of conflict. However, the presence of alleged war criminals threatens to erode trust and international legitimacy.
As phase two of the ceasefire unfolds, the world watches closely. For true peace in Gaza, the board must address these controversies head-on, ensuring that justice and reconstruction go hand in hand.
