Former US President Donald Trump has presented a multifaceted governance proposal for the Gaza Strip, a plan he has termed the "Board of Peace." This initiative is intended to oversee the territory's temporary administration and spearhead its reconstruction following the protracted conflict with Hamas. The proposal, a key component of Trump's twenty-point strategy aimed at de-escalating the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, has encountered immediate reservations from Israeli leadership. They have asserted that the plan was developed without prior consultation and deviates significantly from their established policies.
The intricate structure, as conveyed by sources familiar with the initiative, envisages a three-tiered system designed to address the complex challenges confronting Gaza. At the operational level, a "Gaza Executive Board" would be responsible for implementing on-the-ground activities. This board would collaborate closely with a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This committee is anticipated to be led by experienced technocrats, with Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority deputy minister, reportedly identified as a potential leader. A "Founding Executive Board" would be positioned above this operational tier, focusing on securing essential investments and coordinating diplomatic endeavors. Ultimately, the "Board of Peace" itself would preside over the entire framework, with Donald Trump retaining ultimate veto authority, suggesting a substantial level of American oversight.
Initial members of the Gaza Executive Board were announced on a Saturday, following an earlier "phase two" launch of a US-brokered plan spearheaded by envoy Steve Witkoff. The strategy reportedly seeks substantial financial contributions from various nations, suggesting a minimum of $1 billion for permanent membership on the Board of Peace. Leaders from Egypt, Turkiye, and Jordan were invited to participate in discussions, alongside notable figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and a representative from Qatar's foreign ministry. Business magnate Yakir Gabay, an Israeli-born investor residing in Cyprus, has also been named as a member of the Gaza Executive Board.
However, the plan has not received unanimous approval. The office of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement emphasizing that the proposal was "not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy." Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's far-right National Security Minister, echoed this sentiment, vehemently stating that Gaza "needs to be cleansed of Hamas terrorists." Experts have also voiced criticism regarding the exclusion of Palestinian representation from the highest levels of decision-making, expressing concerns that the proposed structure might be perceived as a form of "commercial trusteeship" rather than genuine self-governance. Israel's opposition leader, Yair Lapid, has also expressed his disapproval of the initiative.
The long-term consequences of this ambitious proposal remain uncertain. Israel has reportedly convened high-level meetings with advisors to deliberate on the plan, underscoring the seriousness with which they are considering Trump's intervention. The success of the "Board of Peace" will undoubtedly depend on its capacity to secure support from key regional stakeholders, navigate deeply entrenched political divisions, and crucially, address the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian population for self-determination and effective representation. The coming weeks are expected to be pivotal in determining whether this latest diplomatic effort can pave the way towards lasting peace in the beleaguered Gaza Strip.