By Aaron Miller-
U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced the formation of a new “Board of Peace” for the Gaza Strip on Thursday, 15 January 2026, marking a major escalation of his administration’s multistage effort to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas and begin the long-term reconstruction and governance of the war-torn territory.
The announcement comes as the Gaza peace process moves into a long-anticipated second phase that emphasises demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and rebuilding.
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Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare the board’s formation, pledging that it will be composed of global figures and describing it as “the greatest and most prestigious board ever assembled at any time, any place.” He also announced that he will serve as the board’s chair, though the full roster of members has yet to be finalized and will be made public shortly.
The Board of Peace is a centrepiece of Phase Two of Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, an initiative launched after a fragile ceasefire was first agreed in October 2025. The board is intended to oversee the transition from military hostilities to civil governance and economic recovery in Gaza.
Phase Two, unveiled this week by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, shifts the focus from halting active conflict to demilitarising Gaza, creating a transitional governing body, and beginning reconstruction efforts.
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In a statement, Witkoff said the new phase “begins the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza,” highlighting the transition from temporary ceasefire management to broader administrative responsibilities.
Central to this next chapter is the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a newly appointed technocratic body composed of Palestinian officials and experts.
The committee will manage the day-to-day governance of Gaza during the transition period a role envisioned to last until a more permanent, widely recognised government structure can be established.
International reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some Palestinian representatives have expressed cautious support for the technocratic committee as a potential stabilizing force, while critics argue that any governance model under heavy external supervision risks undermining Palestinian self-determination.
Muslim and Arab mediators engaged in the peace process, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, welcomed the move as a step toward lasting stability, but emphasised the need for inclusive dialogue and humanitarian assistance.
The Board of Peace’s formal mandate will include overseeing reconstruction efforts, coordinating international aid, and encouraging demilitarization agreements, though specifics on its membership and legal authority remain unclear. Trump’s remarks suggested that global leaders possibly including heads of state from key international partners have expressed interest in participating.
Critically, the peace plan calls for Hamas to fully disarm and release all remaining hostages, a condition that has been central to U.S. negotiations but one that has yet to gain clear acceptance from the militant group. Continued cooperation from Israel regarding troop withdrawals and access to humanitarian corridors is also seen as essential to advancing reconstruction.
Trump’s announcement arrives amid ongoing regional tensions and deep skepticism from some international observers. While the initial ceasefire reduced large-scale violence, sporadic clashes have continued, and Gaza’s infrastructure remains devastated after years of conflict.
The humanitarian situation marked by shortages of essential services, displaced populations, and economic collapse adds urgency to reconstruction efforts.
Supporters of the Board of Peace argue that a structured international oversight mechanism can help coordinate reconstruction funding, rebuild civic institutions, and foster stability that local authorities alone may struggle to achieve.
Advocates contend that the inclusion of experienced administrators and international partners could provide much-needed expertise and credibility in a post-conflict environment.
However, critics contend that placing significant control over Gaza’s future in the hands of an externally led board, particularly one chaired by the U.S. president, raises questions about sovereignty and accountability.
Some humanitarian organisations and regional leaders have called for a more inclusive process that ensures Palestinian voices and priorities are at the center of governance and reconstruction decisions.
The anticipated structure of the Board of Peace has also fueled debate. Media reports suggest that the board could include former diplomats, international leaders, and specialists in post-conflict rebuilding. However, no official list has been released, and Trump’s initial announcement left membership details vague, prompting speculation among analysts and policymakers.
Beyond the Board, Phase Two of the peace plan outlines the potential for an International Stabilisation Force to assist with security and demilitarisation, though its mandate and participating nations have not been fully defined. This element underscores the complexity of creating a secure environment conducive to reconstruction and governance.
Political reactions in Washington reflect the broader divisions surrounding Trump’s approach. Supporters in the Republican Party praise the initiative as a bold step toward peace and regional stability, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of the ceasefire and reconstruction framework.
Opponents, however, caution that without clear enforcement mechanisms or binding commitments from all parties including Hamas and Israel the plan may struggle to achieve lasting impact.
The Board of Peace announcement adds new momentum to what has been a gradual diplomatic effort involving Middle Eastern and global powers.
Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have acted as mediators throughout the ceasefire and transition phases, seeking to balance regional interests with humanitarian needs. Continued engagement from these actors is seen as crucial to maintaining progress and addressing deep-seated tensions.
International financial institutions, including the World Bank and various United Nations agencies, have indicated a willingness to participate in reconstruction financing, though Details on funding mechanisms remain in development. Estimates suggest that rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure could cost tens of billions of dollars, necessitating broad international cooperation.
At a time when the Middle East peace process faces historic challenges, the Board of Peace initiative is both ambitious and contentious. By elevating the peace effort to a multinational forum with Trump at the helm, the U.S. seeks to leverage diplomatic influence while aiming to reduce armed conflict, restore basic governance, and encourage economic recovery.
With Phase Two launched and the Board of Peace announced, the world now awaits concrete details on the board’s membership, operational timeline, and its ability to steer a fragile ceasefire toward a more permanent peace and reconstruction era for Gaza.
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