A new controversy has emerged around US President Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, after it was revealed that permanent membership comes with a staggering $1 billion payment.
The disclosure has triggered global debate, especially as the board is central to plans for rebuilding Gaza after years of conflict.
According to a US official, members who pay the $1 billion fee will secure lifetime seats on the board.
However, those who choose not to contribute financially can still participate, but only for fixed three-year terms. All funds raised are expected to be channelled directly into Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.
The official explained that the unusual structure was created to avoid what was described as bloated salaries and heavy administrative costs often linked to international bodies.
The Trump-chaired panel is being presented as a historic initiative. Trump himself reportedly described it as the “greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled.”
High-profile figures linked to the plan include former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Moreover, Bloomberg was the first outlet to report the $1 billion requirement, bringing wider attention to the proposal.
Several global leaders have confirmed receiving invitations to join, although formal responses remain limited.
The Trump Gaza Board of Peace forms part of a United Nations-backed US framework aimed at demilitarising and rebuilding Gaza after two years of intense fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Each board member is expected to manage a specific sector considered vital to long-term recovery, including infrastructure, security, and economic growth.
However, the absence of the Palestinian Authority has raised serious questions. The Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank and is expected to play a role in Gaza’s future, is not represented on the board.
Instead, day-to-day governance would fall to a Palestinian technocratic committee under the proposed plan.
In addition, a separate “Gaza executive board” would support operations. This group would include officials from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside select board members.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly opposed the involvement of Turkey and Qatar. He stated that the board’s structure was not coordinated with Israel and conflicted with its policy, repeating long-held claims that both countries support Hamas.
Other confirmed names linked to the initiative include Steve Witkoff, Robert Gabriel, Jared Kushner, Marc Rowan, and World Bank president Ajay Banga.
Their inclusion has further fueled debate about political influence and financial power.
