Trump’s “Board of Peace” for Gaza: A Step Toward Stability or a New Colonial Experiment?
India’s Emerging Diplomatic Dilemma
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “Board of Peace” to oversee the temporary governance of Gaza has triggered intense debate across global political circles. According to a statement released by the White House, Trump himself will chair the board. Its core members include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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| Board of Peace |
What has drawn particular attention, however, is who is not included. No Palestinian representative has been named as part of the board, a decision that has sparked criticism from diplomats, analysts, and civil society groups alike. Former UN Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov has been appointed as the High Representative for Gaza, but the scope of his authority and independence remains unclear.
Accusations of a “Colonial Framework”
Critics argue that creating a foreign-led body to supervise governance in Gaza resembles a modern-day colonial structure, imposed without the consent of the people most affected. On the streets of Khan Younis and other parts of Gaza, reactions have been mixed—oscillating between fear, skepticism, and cautious hope.
Abu Musa, a local resident, believes the board could institutionalize long-term external control, further fragmenting Palestinian territories by deepening the divide between Gaza and the West Bank. Others, like Bilal Radi, see a potential lifeline. He hopes the board’s immediate priority will be reopening border crossings and facilitating humanitarian aid, describing Gaza’s current condition as “catastrophic.”
A Fragile Ceasefire on Shaky Ground
Despite the announcement coming in the aftermath of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce. Reports indicate that during the ceasefire period alone, more than 450 Palestinians—including over 100 children—have been killed, along with three Israeli soldiers.
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Against this backdrop, Trump’s peace initiative faces a credibility test. Whether it can deliver stability rather than becoming another layer of geopolitical control remains an open question.
Beyond Gaza: A Global Invitation
Trump’s ambitions for the Board of Peace extend well beyond Gaza. He has reportedly invited several world leaders to join the initiative, framing it as a global effort rather than a purely American or Israeli project. In a move that has raised eyebrows in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to join the board alongside Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
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| PM MODI |
This development places India in a complex diplomatic position. Participation would mark deeper engagement in Middle Eastern geopolitics, while non-participation risks ceding influence to rivals.
The Price Tag and Strategic Calculations
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the proposal is its reported membership cost of USD 1 billion. This raises uncomfortable questions:
Is the Board of Peace a genuine attempt at conflict resolution, or a high-profile vanity project driven by Trump’s personal brand?
Is this body being positioned as an alternative to the United Nations, known for slow decision-making but broad legitimacy?
If India stays out, does it risk allowing Pakistan greater diplomatic leverage on a highly sensitive international issue?
India has long expressed frustration with the inefficiencies of the UN system. A smaller, faster decision-making body could theoretically align with India’s preference for pragmatic diplomacy—but the political costs are significant.
Expert View: Why India Should Consider Joining
Brigitte Gabriel, founder of Act for America, argues that Trump’s intention is to internationalize the Palestinian issue and dilute perceptions of unilateral American or Israeli control. According to her, India’s participation would reinforce its status as a respected global power.
Gabriel believes India cannot afford to sit on the sidelines of such a high-stakes initiative. Investment in Gaza’s reconstruction, she argues, would strengthen India’s geopolitical standing and reinforce its image as a responsible global stakeholder.
The Pakistan Factor
Addressing concerns over India sharing a platform with Pakistan—especially in light of heightened tensions and last year’s four-day conflict—Gabriel suggests that India should rise above regional rivalries. She maintains that India’s strength today lies in its global technological, economic, and diplomatic footprint, not in reactive decision-making driven by Pakistan’s presence.
From this perspective, the Gaza initiative is framed as a collective effort to stabilize the Middle East, rather than a bilateral or regional contest.
On Allegations Against Israel
Responding to claims that Israel is violating the ceasefire and attempting to displace Gazans, Gabriel offers a sharply different narrative. She points out that Israel withdrew completely from Gaza in 2005, allowing Palestinians to choose their own leadership.
According to her, Hamas squandered billions of dollars in aid that could have transformed Gaza into an economic hub, instead investing heavily in tunnels and militant infrastructure. “Israel does not want war,” she argues. “If Arab groups lay down their weapons, there will be peace. If Israel lays down its weapons, there will be no Jews left in the Middle East.”
Conclusion: A Test of Global Diplomacy
Trump’s Board of Peace presents itself as a mechanism for reconstruction and stability in Gaza, yet it simultaneously raises fundamental questions about sovereignty, representation, and power dynamics. For India, the decision to join or stay away is not merely about Gaza—it is about defining its role in an evolving global order.
Whether New Delhi chooses engagement or strategic distance, the implications will extend far beyond the Middle East. The coming weeks may determine whether this initiative becomes a genuine step toward peace—or another controversial chapter in international intervention.
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