US President Donald Trump has revealed plans to advance the Israel-Palestine peace process by initiating the next phase, which includes setting up a “Board of Peace for Gaza.”
This board, a crucial component of Trump’s 20-point peace initiative that supported the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas last October, will be headed by the President himself. Its role will involve overseeing a technocratic government in Gaza to manage affairs during the reconstruction period post-ceasefire.
Simultaneously, Trump has stated that US representatives will work towards a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with Hamas, aiming for a permanent disarmament of the group.
Expected to consist of approximately 10-15 leaders from various nations, the board will have former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov serving as a key representative on the ground in Gaza. Trump emphasized the progress made in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza since the ceasefire, setting the stage for this next phase.
The President expressed confidence in the newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government and the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, backed by the Board’s High Representative, to govern Gaza during the transition period.
Highlighting the commitment of Palestinian leaders to a peaceful future, Trump outlined plans to achieve a comprehensive demilitarization agreement with Hamas with the support of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.
The “Board of Peace” is central to Trump’s peace plan, acting as an international oversight body to supervise Gaza’s transitional administration throughout the reconstruction phase following the ceasefire.
Trump’s announcement follows his envoy’s affirmation of moving forward with the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, despite challenges such as the unresolved status of the final hostage from Phase One, Ran Gvili, in Gaza. Hamas’s compliance with returning hostages remains a key condition for progressing to the next stage, as per the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
