Trump invites Putin to join Board of Peace for Gaza

The United States has invited Russia, the European Commission and Thailand to join a new Board of Peace to help supervise the next phase of a Gaza plan, and several governments are reviewing the invitations while some Israeli officials oppose the initiative.

The U.S. has circulated invitations to a new Board of Peace intended to oversee the next phase of its Gaza peace plan. The European Commission, Russia and Thailand were reported among those asked to join, and officials said they are reviewing the proposals. Some Israeli figures have objected, saying the initiative conflicts with Israel's policy. The U.S. is expected to announce the board's membership list in the coming days, possibly at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Key points: - Invitations were sent to the European Commission, Russia and Thailand; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin received the invitation and the Kremlin is "studying the details." - The European Commission confirmed President Ursula von der Leyen received an invitation and will consult other EU leaders about Gaza. - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the plan as "bad for Israel" and called for its cancellation; the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the committee's formation was not coordinated with the Israeli government. - The board is to oversee the plan's second phase, described as including an international security force, disarmament and reconstruction; a U.S. official said a $1 billion contribution would secure permanent membership, and the U.S. may announce members at Davos. Summary: The initiative has prompted mixed diplomatic reactions and objections from some Israeli officials, creating uncertainty about coordination with existing actors. The U.S. is expected to release the board's official membership list at the World Economic Forum in Davos in the coming days.