Donald Trump has put forth a comprehensive, multi-tiered governance framework for the Gaza Strip, christened the "Board of Peace," designed to steer the territory's temporary administration and facilitate its reconstruction in the aftermath of the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The proposal, a cornerstone of the former US President's 20-point strategy to de-escalate the Israel-Hamas war, has been met with immediate reservations from Israeli leadership, who assert a lack of prior consultation and a divergence from their established policy.
The intricate structure, as detailed by sources close to the initiative, envisions a three-tiered system intended to manage the complex challenges facing Gaza. At the operational level, a "Gaza Executive Board" would be tasked with on-the-ground activities, working in conjunction with a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This committee is slated to be led by technocrats, with Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority deputy minister, reportedly earmarked for the leadership role. Above this operational tier, a "Founding Executive Board" would concentrate on securing crucial investment and orchestrating diplomatic efforts. Presiding over the entire construct would be the "Board of Peace" itself, with Trump holding ultimate veto authority, suggesting a significant degree of American oversight.
The announcement of the initial members of the Gaza Executive Board occurred 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 nations, with a suggested minimum of $1 billion for permanent membership on the Board of Peace. Invited to participate in discussions were leaders from Egypt, Turkiye, and Jordan, alongside figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and, intriguingly, a representative from Qatar's foreign ministry. Business magnate Yakir Gabay, an Israeli-born investor based in Cyprus, has also been named as a member of the Gaza Executive Board.
However, the plan has not garnered universal acclaim. The office of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement emphasizing that the proposal was "not coordinated with Israel and runs contrary to its policy." This sentiment was echoed by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's far-right National Security Minister, who vehemently stated, "The Gaza Strip does not need any 'administrative committee' to oversee its 'rehabilitation' - it needs to be cleansed of Hamas terrorists." The exclusion of Palestinian representation from the highest echelons of decision-making has also drawn criticism from experts, who express concern that the proposed structure could be perceived as a form of "commercial trusteeship" rather than genuine self-governance. Israel's opposition leader, Yair Lapid, has also voiced his disapproval of the initiative.
The ramifications of this ambitious proposal remain to be seen. Israel has reportedly convened high-level meetings with advisors to deliberate on the plan, indicating the gravity with which they are treating Trump's intervention. The success of the "Board of Peace" will undoubtedly hinge on its ability to secure buy-in from key regional players, navigate the deeply entrenched political divides, and, crucially, address the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian population for self-determination and effective representation. The coming weeks are likely to be pivotal in determining whether this latest diplomatic gambit can forge a path towards lasting peace in the beleaguered Gaza Strip.