Russian President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the so-called Gaza Peace Board, a body designed to oversee the post-war reconstruction of the territory after two years of conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas. The invitation was confirmed Monday by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who said Moscow is reviewing the proposal and seeking further clarification from Washington.
The board is a cornerstone of U.S. President Donald Trump’s United Nations-backed peace initiative for Gaza. Trump has described it as “the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled,” tasked with guiding demilitarization efforts and coordinating international reconstruction funding.
Among those invited are former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Israel has also been invited to participate as a founding state.
Despite the broad outreach, concerns have emerged. Ireland’s Foreign Minister Helen McEntee warned that the proposed body could overstep its intended mandate, potentially undermining the authority of the United Nations. She emphasized that international law and multilateral legitimacy remain essential.
Further controversy surrounds the funding structure. According to U.S. officials, board members may secure permanent seats by contributing $1 billion, while those who do not pay would serve three-year terms. All funds raised are intended for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Putin’s participation would mark a striking re-entry into high-level international cooperation following Russia’s isolation after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has maintained dialogue with multiple Middle Eastern actors and does not designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, positioning itself as an alternative diplomatic interlocutor.
The Gaza Peace Board thus reflects a broader shift in global governance, where pragmatic power arrangements increasingly compete with established multilateral frameworks.