US allies cautious as experts warn the initiative could sideline the United Nations
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday insisted the United Nations must continue, even as he floated plans for a new initiative dubbed the “Board of Peace,” which has drawn concern from international experts.
Asked whether the board was intended to replace the UN, Trump replied, “Might.” He added that while the UN has “never lived up to its potential,” its capabilities remain important: “I believe you got to let the U.N. continue because the potential is so great.”
The White House last Friday announced members of the board, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The initiative traces back to a UN Security Council resolution in November, which authorised the so-called Board of Peace to oversee an international stabilisation force in Gaza, following a fragile ceasefire brokered under a Trump plan in October, agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. Initially intended to supervise Gaza’s temporary governance, Trump has since said the board will be expanded to address conflicts worldwide.
Observers warn that such a board could undermine the UN’s authority, while human rights experts have likened the structure to a colonial-style oversight of a foreign territory. Blair’s involvement has also been criticised due to his role in the Iraq war and Britain’s historical interventions in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the Gaza ceasefire has been repeatedly violated by Israel. Since the truce began in October, over 460 Palestinians, including more than 100 children, have been killed, highlighting the fragile security situation the board is meant to address.
