Belarus Joins US-Led Board of Peace for Gaza Conflict Resolution

On January 20, 2026, in the city of Minsk, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko officially confirmed his acceptance of an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to become a founding member of the "Board of Peace." This newly established international body is dedicated to resolving the complex conflict in the Gaza Strip. The formal agreement to join as a co-founder was finalized following a personal request from Trump, which reached the Belarusian leadership on January 19 through Ruslan Varankov, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

President Lukashenko expressed his hope that the organization's authority would eventually expand beyond its primary objectives, allowing it to play a more active role in mediating various global conflicts. He suggested that such a body could contribute to the development of a new international security architecture, a concept that Belarus has consistently advocated for in recent years. The initiative is led by Donald Trump, who serves as the "Chairman of the Board of Peace," and is centered on his 20-point strategy for achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. This plan, first introduced in September 2025, gained international legal standing after the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution No. 2803 on November 17, 2025. The resolution was supported by 13 of the 15 council members, with Russia and China choosing to abstain from the vote.

UN Security Council Resolution No. 2803 establishes the Board of Peace as a transitional administration with its own international legal personality. This body is tasked with coordinating the comprehensive reconstruction of Gaza until the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) completes its internal reforms and is ready to resume full administrative control over the region. The second phase of this peace process, which emphasizes demilitarization and the implementation of technocratic governance, was officially launched on January 14, 2026, by Special Envoy Steven Witkoff.

The financial requirements associated with membership have been a point of clarification for the Minsk administration. Alexander Lukashenko addressed and refuted claims that an immediate $1 billion contribution was necessary for entry. He clarified that this specific amount is only required for nations wishing to extend their membership beyond the initial three-year period. For the first three years, participation as a founding member does not carry a financial obligation. Lukashenko also stated his intention to seek a continuation of Belarus's role without the billion-dollar payment, provided the country "works effectively for the cause of peace." Nevertheless, the organization's draft charter indicates that permanent membership status requires a minimum contribution of $1 billion.

The decision by Belarus to join a structure initiated by Washington comes at a time of significant international disagreement regarding the Board's legitimacy. Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, Norway’s Deputy Foreign Minister, stated unequivocally that joining the Board of Peace is "absolutely impossible" for Norway. He argued that the new structure calls into question the fundamental role of the United Nations and existing international law. Kravik noted that Norway’s foreign policy is rooted in the UN system and cannot accept a framework where Donald Trump maintains a right of veto. This perspective contrasts sharply with the view in Minsk, where the invitation is seen as a recognition of Lukashenko's personal diplomatic efforts and international influence.

In addition to Belarus, several other world leaders were invited to join the Board of Peace as founders by January 19. This list includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose invitation is currently under review, as well as the leaders of Italy, Hungary, and Uzbekistan. While Norway has formally declined the offer, a more extensive list of invitees reported by Bloomberg includes over 50 nations, such as Egypt, Qatar, Israel, Turkey, and Ukraine. The reaction from France was also negative, with President Emmanuel Macron expressing opposition. This prompted a threat from Donald Trump to impose 200-percent tariffs on French wine and champagne imports.

The entry of Minsk into this new coalition illustrates a complex diplomatic strategy unfolding as the international community focuses on Middle Eastern stability. The formation of these new geopolitical alliances, which operate outside of traditional international frameworks, suggests a shifting landscape in global governance. For Belarus, participating in the Board of Peace represents a significant move to engage in high-level international mediation, reflecting the broader global effort to find alternative paths toward conflict resolution and regional security.