Trump invites France, Germany, and EU Commission President to join controversial ‘Board of Peace’

The Trump administration has extended formal invitations – among others – to the leaders of France and Germany, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to represent the European Union, to join its newly announced “Board of Peace” – a U.S.-led international body tasked with supervising the transitional governance and reconstruction of Gaza following a fragile ceasefire.

The invitations, delivered via letters on Saturday, come as the White House unveiled initial members of the board and outlined its ambitious scope: starting with oversight of a Palestinian technocratic administration in Gaza but potentially expanding to address other global conflicts in the future.

President Donald Trump, who will chair the board, has described it as a “bold new approach to resolving Global Conflict” and a kind of “Trump United Nations.”

The board’s formation is part of Phase Two of a U.S.-brokered 20-point Gaza peace plan, endorsed by Israel and Hamas, and authorized by a U.N. Security Council resolution in mid-November 2025. The plan envisions temporary international supervision of Gaza’s governance, reconstruction, investment attraction, and security stabilization – including through an International Stabilization Force led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers – amid a ceasefire that has held since October but seen violations resulting in over 450 Palestinian deaths (including more than 100 children) and three Israeli soldiers.

Key U.S.-appointed members and structure

On Friday, the White House named several high-profile figures to the “founding executive board,” including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Trump’s son-in-law and longtime adviser Jared Kushner, World Bank President Ajay Banga, Billionaire private equity executive Marc Rowan, Trump adviser Robert Gabriel.

A separate 11-member “Gaza Executive Board” was also announced to provide operational support, featuring Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, U.N. Middle East peace coordinator Sigrid Kaag, UAE International Cooperation Minister Reem Al-Hashimy, and Israeli-Cypriot billionaire Yakir Gabay.

Former U.N. Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov, a Bulgarian diplomat, will serve as high representative for Gaza on the ground.

Focus on European invitations

Diplomatic sources confirmed that invitations went to the leaders of France, Germany, Australia, and Canada, among others, with an EU official specifying that von der Leyen had been asked to join in a representative capacity for the bloc. Egypt and Turkey’s presidents also received and acknowledged invitations, while Argentina’s President Javier Milei publicly shared his letter on social media, highlighting the board’s potential as a “founding member” opportunity.

The inclusion of major European powers reflects an effort to broaden international buy-in for Gaza’s post-war recovery, where massive reconstruction needs – following Israel’s assault since October 2023 that killed tens of thousands, triggered a hunger crisis, and displaced the entire population – will require substantial funding and expertise. European nations have historically been key donors to Palestinian aid and reconstruction efforts.

However, the invitations arrive amid sharp criticism of the board’s structure and ambitions. Rights experts and advocates have likened Trump’s oversight of a foreign territory’s governance to a colonial framework, while Blair’s participation draws ire due to his role in the Iraq War and Britain’s imperial history in the region. One diplomat familiar with the charter described it as a “‘Trump United Nations’ that ignores the fundamentals of the U.N. charter.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has voiced objections, stating that the composition of the Gaza Executive Board was not coordinated with Israel and contradicts its policies — likely a reference to Turkish involvement, which Israel opposes.

Broader implications and reactions

Trump has emphasized the board’s long-term vision, telling Reuters earlier this week: “It’s going to, in my opinion, start with Gaza and then do conflicts as they arise… like other countries that are going to war with each other.” The White House indicated more members will be named in coming weeks, with the body positioned to outlive its initial Gaza mandate.

While the invitations to France, Germany, and von der Leyen signal potential transatlantic cooperation in stabilizing Gaza, they also highlight the controversial nature of the initiative. European responses remain unclear, as leaders weigh the strategic benefits of influence in Middle East reconstruction against concerns over U.S. dominance, the board’s bypassing of traditional multilateral mechanisms, and the ongoing fragility of the ceasefire.

The board’s first meeting is anticipated on the sidelines of upcoming international summits, with its success hinging on broad participation and effective implementation in one of the most devastated conflict zones in recent history.

Caption: US President Donald Trump stands during the greetings ceremony before the family picture at the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, 13 October 2025. US President Donald Trump alongside Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi with leaders from more than 20 countries attend the summit in Sharm El-Sheikh. The first phase of Gaza peace plan between Israel and Hamas involves the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. EPA/YOAN VALAT / POOL