JERUSALEM – Four additional countries announced on Sunday that they have received invitations from the United States to join President Donald Trump’s newly established “Board of Peace.” This initiative is designed to guide future developments in Gaza, with aspirations to expand its influence in international affairs.

According to a U.S. official, who wished to remain anonymous, a $1 billion contribution guarantees a permanent seat on the Trump-led board, whereas a three-year membership can be obtained without any financial obligation. This funding is intended for the reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with the charter details yet to be publicized.

The board aims to comprise global leaders, and the U.S. is anticipated to release the official list of members shortly, possibly during the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

On Sunday, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan confirmed they were invited to join the board. Previously, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina, and Albania had also announced receiving invitations. The total number of invitations issued remains unclear.

The board’s responsibilities include overseeing the progression of Gaza’s ceasefire, which began on October 10 and is entering a complex second phase. This involves establishing a new Palestinian committee in Gaza, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and rebuilding the conflict-ravaged region.

In letters sent Friday to world leaders inviting them to be “founding members,” Trump said the Board of Peace would “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.”

That could become a potential rival to the United Nations, the global body created in the wake of World War II. Its clout has been diminished by major funding cuts by the Trump administration and other donors, and its most powerful body, the U.N. Security Council, has been blocked by U.S. vetoes from taking action to end the war in Gaza.

Trump’s invitation letters for the Board of Peace noted that the Security Council had endorsed the U.S. 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which includes the board’s creation. The letters were posted on social media by some invitees.

The White House last week also announced an executive committee of leaders who will carry out the Board of Peace’s vision, but Israel on Saturday objected that the committee “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy,” without details. The statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office was rare criticism of its close ally in Washington.

The executive committee’s members include U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga and Trump’s deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel, along with an Israeli businessman, billionaire Yakir Gabay.

Members also include representatives of ceasefire monitors Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. Turkey has a strained relationship with Israel but good relations with Hamas and could play an important role in persuading the group to yield power in Gaza and disarm.

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Associated Press writer Joshua Boak in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.

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