A surprising request landed on Prime Minister Carney’s desk mid-journey through a crucial diplomatic mission in China. U.S. President Donald Trump extended a direct invitation for Carney to join a newly formed, high-profile initiative: the “Board of Peace.” The board’s ambitious goal? To spearhead the support, reconstruction, and economic revitalization of Gaza.
The invitation arrived Thursday, as Carney engaged in meetings with President Xi Jinping and other key Chinese leaders in Beijing. It wasn’t a publicly announced addition; the White House had earlier released an initial list of board members that did not include the Prime Minister’s name. This unexpected development underscores the significance Trump places on Carney’s potential contribution.
The initial board roster features prominent figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East. Carney’s inclusion would add a significant international dimension to the group, signaling a broader global commitment to the fragile peace process.
According to a senior government official traveling with the Prime Minister, Carney intends to accept the offer. This decision comes after Carney publicly lauded the Trump-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as “historic” back in September. He had then passionately called for all involved parties to actively work towards the plan’s success.
The “Board of Peace” is central to the framework of the recently established peace plan. Its formation represents a concerted effort to move beyond a ceasefire and address the deep-rooted issues hindering long-term stability and prosperity in Gaza. Carney’s involvement promises to be a pivotal element in this complex undertaking.
