U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Prime Minister Mark Carney to take part in the Board of Peace, according to a senior Canadian government official. The two leaders are shown together during an earlier meeting at the White House in Washington in October 2025. AP Photo
Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to accept an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join a new U.S.-led group focused on Gaza’s future. The group, known as the “Board of Peace,” will guide efforts to maintain a ceasefire and help rebuild the war-torn region.
A senior Canadian government official confirmed Friday that Trump extended the invitation earlier in the day. Carney has agreed in principle but has not yet formally joined the board.
White House outlines board members
The White House announced Friday that Trump will chair the Board of Peace. Other members include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair.
The White House statement did not mention Carney, and officials have not yet clarified what role he would play on the board.
What the Board of Peace will do
According to the White House, the Board of Peace will oversee the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after more than two years of fighting. The board will also guide Gaza’s reconstruction and help manage international support.
“The Board of Peace will play an essential role in fulfilling all 20 points of the president’s (Gaza peace plan), providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development,” the White House said.
Under the plan, the board will supervise a new Palestinian committee that will manage daily life in Gaza. The committee will be led by Ali Shaath, a Gaza-born engineer and former Palestinian Authority official.
Shaath said rebuilding Gaza will likely take about three years, with early efforts focused on basic needs such as housing.
“The Palestinian people were looking forward to this committee, its establishment and its work to rescue them,” he said Friday in a television interview.
Wider international involvement
The White House named several other board members, including Apollo Global Management chief Marc Rowan, World Bank president Ajay Banga, and Trump’s deputy national security adviser Robert Gabriel.
Another body, called the Gaza Executive Board, will support daily governance and services. Its members include Witkoff, Kushner, Blair, and officials from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, and the Netherlands.
Busy week for the prime minister
Carney’s decision comes during a major international trip. Earlier this week, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to secure what he described as a “preliminary, but landmark” trade agreement.
Canada agreed to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and allow limited imports each year. In return, China reduced duties on several Canadian farm products through the end of 2026.
While some U.S. officials criticized the trade deal, Trump defended Carney’s move.
“If you can get a deal with China, you should do that,” Trump said.
