Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proclaimed the establishment of a Gaza ‘Board of Peace,’ marking a significant development in the implementation of a U.S.-backed roadmap to conclude the ongoing conflict in the Palestinian territory. The announcement was made via Trump’s Truth Social platform on Thursday, where he characterized the newly formed body as ‘the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled.’
This initiative represents the activation of the plan’s second phase, which follows the recent creation of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee tasked with handling Gaza’s daily governance in the post-war period. According to Trump, this administrative committee will operate under the direct supervision of the Board of Peace, which he will personally chair.
The comprehensive peace framework additionally mandates the deployment of an International Stabilization Force to assist in securing the territory and training vetted Palestinian police units. However, the process faces substantial challenges. Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas official, issued a statement placing responsibility on ‘the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee.’
Critical obstacles remain unresolved. Palestinian authorities continue to emphasize the necessity of Israel’s complete military withdrawal from Gaza—a principle included in the plan but lacking a detailed timetable. Concurrently, Hamas has yet to publicly commit to full disarmament, which Israel considers a non-negotiable prerequisite.
Amid these diplomatic maneuvers, the humanitarian situation remains grave. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that 451 people have been killed since the ceasefire nominally took effect, with ongoing allegations of aid shortages and violence clouding the transition.
In a related development, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, stated that Washington expects Hamas to ‘comply fully with its obligations.’ Trump echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence that selected Palestinian leaders are ‘unwaveringly committed to a PEACEFUL future’ and promising a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with support from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.