Trump launches Gaza Board of Peace at Davos

President Donald Trump returned to the stage at Davos to officially launch his Gaza Board of Peace, joined by the board’s newly announced members from the Middle East and South America; he said he was honored to be the chairman of what could be "one of the most consequential bodies ever created." There was a notable lack of leaders from Western European nations on stage.

The U.K. had expressed reservations about the possibility of Russian President Vladimir Putin being involved, and Putin, despite receiving an invitation, is thought to be still considering. Trump earlier suggested the board "might" replace the United Nations but later presented it as having "tremendous potential with the United Nations," saying "We'll work with many others, including the U.N." The United Nations adopted the U.S.-penned resolution establishing the Board of Peace in November.

Concerns have also been raised about a charter draft that reportedly grants three-year membership to invited nations while offering permanent membership to states that contribute $1 billion in cash within the first year. Trump said the Israel-Hamas war is "really coming to an end" and warned that Hamas must disarm, calling its members people "born with rifles in their hands" and saying, "They have to give up their weapons, and if they don't do that, it's going to be the end of them." He also called for Hamas to release the final deceased Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili, who remains in the territory.

Key Topics

World, Donald Trump, Davos, United Nations, Hamas, Ran Gvili