Israel has formally become a member of the newly established “Board of Peace,” a US‑backed initiative aimed at supporting stability, humanitarian access, and reconstruction in the war‑torn Gaza Strip and addressing broader conflicts under its mandate.
The step was confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who announced that Israel joined the body as one of the founding members. The Board was initially formed under the umbrella of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, which endorses a transitional mechanism to help implement ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian plans, and post‑conflict reconstruction in Gaza.
Alongside Israel, more than two dozen countries agreed to participate in the Board of Peace. These include the United States, which chairs the initiative, and several Muslim‑majority states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, with Pakistan also part of the group.
The Board’s first leaders meeting is scheduled to take place in Washington next week, where representatives will discuss operational details and strategies for advancing peace efforts centered on Gaza.
The inclusion of Israel alongside Muslim‑majority countries has drawn mixed reactions internationally. Supporters say it could foster cooperation on humanitarian and reconstruction work, while critics worry that it could undermine longstanding diplomatic positions and lack direct Palestinian representation.
The initiative reflects an evolving diplomatic effort focused on stabilizing one of the world’s most protracted conflicts, even as tensions over broader regional issues continue.
