A Christian persecution watchdog has questioned the inclusion of several countries on Trump’s Board of Peace due to their documented records of religious freedom violations. Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Qatar, Belarus, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—all founding members announced January 22, 2026—have faced scrutiny over treatment of Christian minorities. The watchdog raised concerns about the appropriateness of nations with poor religious freedom records participating in a Middle East peace initiative overseeing Gaza’s demilitarization and rebuilding. The broader membership choices reflect diplomatic tensions surrounding the Board’s composition and intended global scope.
A Christian persecution watchdog has raised concerns about the inclusion of certain countries in President Donald Trump‘s newly formed Board of Peace, an international organization ratified in Davos on January 22, 2026, to oversee Gaza stabilization and reconstruction.
The Board, first announced by Trump via Truth Social on January 15, 2026, was authorized by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and aims to manage Gaza’s demilitarization, governance reform, and rebuilding efforts.
Among the 26 founding member countries announced on January 22 are several nations with documented records of Christian persecution. Pakistan, Indonesia, and Belarus have joined the initiative, alongside Middle Eastern states including Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
The Board’s 26 founding members include Pakistan, Indonesia, Belarus, Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia—nations with documented Christian persecution records.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatar’s Minister for Strategic Affairs Ali al-Thawadi serve on the Gaza Executive Board, while Egypt’s Hassan Rashad and the UAE’s Reem al-Hashimy hold key positions.
The watchdog organization has questioned whether countries with poor religious freedom records should participate in a peace initiative, particularly one focused on the Middle East. This concern echoes broader debates about women preaching in the Bible and how religious freedom principles are applied across contexts.
Pakistan and Indonesia, both founding members, have faced international scrutiny over treatment of Christian minorities. Turkey and Qatar, despite their prominent roles on the Gaza Executive Board, have also drawn criticism from human rights observers.
The Board’s membership reflects Trump’s emphasis on regional partnerships rather than traditional Western alliances. Major European powers including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are conspicuously absent due to disagreements over Greenland and tariffs.
Russia was excluded despite President Putin’s offer of $1 billion from frozen assets, and Canada’s invitation was rescinded after Prime Minister Carney’s speech on economic coercion.
The Executive Board is chaired by Trump and includes Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, Marc Rowan, and Ajay Banga. Nickolay Mladenov serves as High Representative for Gaza, while Major General Jasper Jeffers commands the International Stabilization Force.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office stated that the Gaza Executive Board was not coordinated with Israel and contradicts government policy.
The Christian persecution watchdog’s concerns add another layer to the complex diplomatic tensions surrounding the Board’s composition and mission. The Board charter review indicated intent for global conflicts beyond Gaza, raising questions about its broader scope. Notably, no invitations were issued to Sub-Saharan African countries despite approximately 60 countries receiving invitations overall.
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