President Trump launched his International Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos, claiming the Israel-Hamas conflict is nearly resolved and outlining an ambitious vision for a global body to rival the United Nations, with a focus on rebuilding Gaza into a major tourism destination.
During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump unveiled his International Board of Peace, a new global body intended to rival the United Nations. He asserted that Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip was 'all but over,' describing the conflict as 'little fires' that could be 'very easily' extinguished. Trump, the first to sign the board's charter, was joined by officials from over 20 countries, including Argentina, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. He proclaimed 'peace in the Middle East' and stated the world is 'safer, richer and much more peaceful' than a year prior. While promising to 'work with many others, including the United Nations,' Trump also indicated the board would address issues the UN 'should have done.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the board's primary focus would be ensuring an 'enduring' peace deal in Gaza. The Board of Peace originated from Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan, developed by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which includes supervising a transitional Palestinian government and an international peacekeeping force. The UN ratified the board's role in November. Despite Hamas's refusal to lay down arms and return the remains of an Israeli victim, the White House is moving forward with 'Phase Two' of the plan. Trump reiterated the commitment to demilitarize, properly govern, and 'beautifully rebuild' Gaza. Kushner presented plans for significant real estate development in Gaza, including 100,000 new housing units in Rafah and a 'New Gaza' City, envisioning the region as a tourism rival to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
