The recent announcement from the White House regarding the initial members of its Gaza "Board of Peace" has stirred considerable debate and skepticism. Critics argue that the framework of this initiative appears akin to a colonial strategy, seemingly imposed on the Palestinian people without their input or consent.
As we delve deeper into the details, several questions remain unanswered, particularly concerning potential additional appointments and the intricate structure of this initiative. Notably absent from the two primary boards introduced so far are any members from the Palestinian community.
One of these boards, known as the "founding Executive Board," is primarily focused on investment and diplomatic efforts, while the second, termed the "Gaza Executive Board," is tasked with managing the practical operations of another group, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This committee is composed of what are described as technocratic and politically neutral Palestinians, headed by Dr. Ali Shaath, a civil engineer who has held various ministerial roles within the Palestinian Authority.
However, among the seven individuals listed on the founding Executive Board, six are American, including prominent figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key advisers to Trump like Jared Kushner. Steve Witkoff, who serves as the US Special Envoy to the Middle East, also shares a close personal connection with the president, as both are involved in real estate development.
Ajay Banga, the president of the World Bank and an Indian-born American citizen, stands out as a rare exception among the predominantly American board members. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Sir Tony Blair, a former UK Prime Minister, is likely to intensify existing concerns about the board's approach. In recent weeks, critiques have emerged from various quarters, including prominent Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti and reports suggesting discontent from unnamed officials in neighboring Arab states. Opponents highlight Blair's controversial role in the Iraq war and the historical context of Britain's colonial actions in the Middle East, deeming him unfit for this position. For instance, Francesca Albanese, the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, expressed her strong disapproval on social media, stating, "Tony Blair? Hell no. Hands off Palestine."
Even President Trump has acknowledged the contentious nature of Blair's involvement. Last October, he remarked, "I've always liked Tony, but I want to find out that he's an acceptable choice to everybody."
There is a notable overlap between the two established boards, with Kushner, Witkoff, and Blair serving on both. However, the Gaza Executive Board does include representatives from Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with Nickolay Mladenov, a former Bulgarian politician, appointed as the High Representative for Gaza. Interestingly, Yakir Gabay, a businessman originally from Israel and currently residing in Cyprus, represents the only Israeli interest on this board.
In its official statement announcing these appointments, the White House emphasized that the selected individuals would strive to facilitate "effective governance and deliver top-tier services that promote peace, stability, and prosperity for the people of Gaza." Despite the valid concerns and complexities surrounding this initiative, it remains the only significant plan currently under consideration, with numerous global leaders expressing their commitment to ensuring its success.
Complicating matters further, the overarching entity, the Board of Peace, will ultimately be chaired by President Trump, with the names of its members yet to be disclosed. Reports suggest that notable political figures such as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have been invited to participate in this supreme body.
Ultimately, whether the most vocal critics of this initiative can be appeased largely depends on how swiftly the newly appointed senior team can implement tangible changes that positively impact the daily lives of Palestinians and, crucially, take substantial steps toward achieving a lasting peace.
Yet, significant hurdles lie ahead in reaching these objectives. The UN estimates that around 80% of Gaza's infrastructure has been either destroyed or damaged. Families that have endured the conflict now face harsh winter conditions, compounded by shortages of food and shelter. Although aid organizations report some progress, they accuse Israel of imposing ongoing restrictions that hinder their operations. In response, Israel contends that it is facilitating humanitarian aid but blames the UN for its failure to effectively distribute already existing supplies within Gaza. The Israeli government argues that any limitations are necessary to prevent Hamas from exploiting relief efforts for its own ends.
Demonstrating meaningful progress in reconstruction efforts poses a formidable challenge, not only requiring the removal of an estimated 60 million tons of debris but also necessitating the identification and proper handling of the deceased and unexploded ordnance hidden within.
Perhaps the most daunting task, however, is sustaining the fragile ceasefire that is currently in place. Another appointment announced by the White House is Major General Jasper Jeffers, who will act as the Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), tasked with enforcing demilitarization in Gaza under a UN mandate. As of now, there remains no clear strategy for persuading Hamas to relinquish its weapons, nor is there clarity regarding which nation will contribute military personnel to this force or what its parameters and engagement rules will entail.
Hamas has stated that it will only consider disarmament as part of a comprehensive agreement establishing a Palestinian state. Conversely, Israel maintains that it will only withdraw its ground troops—who currently control more than half of the Gaza Strip—if Hamas disarms. Resolving this paradoxical situation may very well prove to be the most significant test of all.
