At least eight more countries say the United States has invited them to join President Donald Trump’s newly formed Board of Peace, a group of world leaders tasked with overseeing the next phase in Gaza and signalling a wider global role.
Hungary and Vietnam have accepted the invitation, officials from the two countries said.
Under the board’s draft charter, a permanent seat requires a $1 billion contribution, while three-year appointments carry no such requirement, a US official said on condition of anonymity as the document has not been made public. The funds are expected to be used for rebuilding Gaza.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has agreed to join, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told state radio. Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam has also accepted, according to a foreign ministry statement.
India has received an invitation, a senior government official said, while Australia confirmed it has been invited and will consult with Washington to better understand the proposal.
Jordan, Greece, Cyprus and Pakistan said they were invited on Sunday. Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina and Albania have already said they received invitations. The total number of invitees has not been disclosed.
The United States is expected to announce the official list of members in the coming days, likely during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The board is set to oversee the next steps in Gaza as the ceasefire that began on Oct. 10 enters its second phase, including the formation of a new Palestinian committee, deployment of an international security force, disarmament of Hamas and reconstruction of the territory.
In letters sent to world leaders, Trump said the Board of Peace would pursue a new approach to resolving global conflicts. Some invitees posted the letters on social media.
The White House has also announced an executive committee to implement the board’s plans, though Israel has objected, saying it was not coordinated and runs counter to its policy.
Members of the executive committee include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former British prime minister Tony Blair, World Bank president Ajay Banga and US deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel, along with Israeli businessman Yakir Gabay. Representatives from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, which are monitoring the ceasefire, are also included.