Trump expected to announce 'Board of Peace' for Gaza next week

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce the creation of his "Board of Peace" next week as part of the second phase of the Gaza cease-fire agreement, according to two U.S. officials and two sources with knowledge of the matter cited by Axios.

Trump first announced the board when the cease-fire agreement was reached in October 2025. The United Nations Security Council later endorsed the plan, which has been criticized for rejecting Palestinians' right to self-determination.

The board will be chaired by Trump himself, and, according to Axios, will include around 15 world leaders who will supervise a yet-to-be-formed Palestinian technocratic government and oversee the reconstruction process.

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who had canvassed for a prominent role on the board, was quietly dropped after Arab and Muslim nations were reported to have objected to his involvement, citing Blair's previous failures during attempts to mediate peace in the region.

"Invitations are going out to key countries to be members of the board," a source with direct knowledge said. Countries under consideration include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey.

U.S. officials noted the plan could still change depending on other ongoing issues, such as U.S. attacks on Venezuela or peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. The White House declined to comment, Axios added.

The Board's representative on the ground will be former United Nations special envoy for the Middle East Nikolay Mladenov. He is expected to travel to Israel this week to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials ahead of Trump’s planned announcement.

During his meeting with Trump last week, Netanyahu agreed to move to the second phase of the cease-fire agreement with Hamas, laying the groundwork for this announcement, Axios reported.

Progress on the second phase had stalled in recent weeks, as Israel continued its daily violations of the truce agreement and Hamas continues its search for the last remaining hostage's body.

The first 'Board of Peace' meeting could take place during the World Economic Forum in Davos later this month.