Israel expressed strong objections on Saturday regarding the formation of a Gaza panel operating under the Board of Peace, which is overseen by US President Donald Trump. The newly announced Gaza executive board notably includes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and a Qatari official, prompting concerns from Israeli leadership.
The Board of Peace, which Trump has taken on as chair, aims to promote economic development in the Palestinian territory, much of which has been ravaged by two years of extensive Israeli bombardment. Alongside Trump, high-profile members of the board include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Many of these individuals also hold positions on the Gaza executive board.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement criticizing the composition of the Gaza executive board, asserting that it was not coordinated with Israel and contradicts the country’s existing policies. Netanyahu has directed the Foreign Affairs Minister to communicate with the US Secretary of State regarding this issue.
The developments follow a meeting held by a Palestinian committee of technocrats in Cairo, aimed at governing Gaza under the Board of Peace’s oversight, where Kushner was present.
International responses have been varied. A senior aide to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada intends to accept Trump’s invitation to join the board. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan indicated that he had been invited to become a “founding member” of the board. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty mentioned that the nation is currently reviewing a request for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s participation. Argentine President Javier Milei publicly expressed his enthusiasm about being involved through a social media post showcasing the invitation.
Tony Blair, who has previously faced controversy over his role in the Iraq War and his later focus on Israeli-Palestinian issues as a representative of the Middle East Quartet, stated his gratitude to Trump for establishing the Board of Peace and for his appointment to its executive board.
The White House outlined that the Board of Peace will address vital topics, such as governance capacity-building, regional relations, and reconstruction, while gathering large-scale funding and mobilizing capital. Other notable board members include World Bank President Ajay Banga and billionaire Marc Rowan.
In reaction to the board’s composition, the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad denounced it as biased towards Israeli interests, branding the initiative as one serving the interests of occupation.
Meanwhile, Washington indicated that the Gaza plan has progressed to its second phase, which transitions from implementing ceasefire measures to disarming Hamas. Following a major attack on Israel by the group in October 2023, a significant Israeli offensive has ensued.
In a related announcement, Trump appointed US Major General Jasper Jeffers to lead an International Stabilization Force tasked with ensuring security in Gaza and training a new police force to replace Hamas. Jeffers brings military experience from US Central Command and has previously overseen ceasefire monitoring efforts in the region.
Gaza native Ali Shaath has also been appointed to head the governing committee. Trump has previously discussed visions for transforming Gaza into a resort-like area but has refrained from proposals involving the forced displacement of its population.
