US President Donald Trump has recently unveiled the formation of a “board of peace” aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting a pivotal phase in a US-supported initiative designed to stabilize the region. The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, underscores his commitment to the peace process and outlines the next steps in the plan.
“It is my Great Honor to announce that THE BOARD OF PEACE has been formed,” Trump stated, while teasing the forthcoming announcement of its members. He emphasized the board’s esteemed status, claiming it to be “the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.”
The creation of this board follows closely on the heels of a newly established 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee. This committee is tasked with managing day-to-day governance in Gaza following the cessation of hostilities. The board of peace will oversee this committee, with Trump assuming the role of its chair.
A critical component of the broader strategy involves the deployment of an International Stabilisation Force. This force is intended to support security efforts in Gaza and provide training to vetted Palestinian police units. Trump’s announcement has sparked reactions from key figures in the region, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Bassem Naim, a senior leader with Hamas, acknowledged the development, stating, “The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee.” His remarks underscore the ongoing complexity and urgency of the situation in Gaza.
The US-backed peace initiative was initially set in motion on October 10, leading to the return of hostages held by Hamas and a pause in hostilities between the group and Israel. However, the second phase of this plan is now underway amidst troubling reports of aid shortages and continued violence. Gaza’s health ministry, under Hamas’s governance, reports that Israeli forces have resulted in the deaths of 451 individuals since the ceasefire began.
For many Palestinians, the pivotal issue remains Israel’s full military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, a stipulation included in the framework of Trump’s plan but lacking any defined timeline. Additionally, Hamas has not publicly committed to full disarmament, which is a critical prerequisite for Israel.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has reiterated that the expectation is for Hamas to “comply fully with its obligations.” In a related context, Hamas is on the brink of internal elections aimed at revamping its leadership, reportedly scheduled for the first months of 2026.
In his Thursday post, Trump echoed Witkoff’s sentiments, stating, “These Palestinian leaders are unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future!” in connection with the transitional government he envisions. He further asserted the commitment to establishing a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with Hamas, which would involve the surrender of all weapons and the dismantling of all tunnels.
As the situation evolves, the world watches closely, awaiting further developments from this newly assembled board and the responses from both Palestinian authorities and Israeli leadership.
