US President Donald Trump has revealed that the Israel-Palestine peace process will advance to its next stage with the establishment of a “Board of Peace for Gaza.” The board, a key component of Trump’s 20-point peace initiative supporting the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, will be headed by the President himself. It will supervise a technocratic government in Gaza during the post-ceasefire reconstruction phase.
In addition, Trump stated that US representatives will work towards a comprehensive demilitarization agreement, aiming for Hamas to permanently disarm. The board is expected to consist of around 10-15 leaders from various nations, with former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov serving as a senior representative in Gaza.
Trump emphasized the progress made in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza since the ceasefire and highlighted the support for a newly appointed Palestinian Technocratic Government. He expressed confidence in achieving a demilitarization agreement with Hamas, with backing from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar.
The announcement of the “Board of Peace” follows confirmation by the US Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, that the second phase of the Gaza peace plan will proceed. This decision comes despite challenges such as the unresolved case of the final hostage from the initial phase. Israel has insisted on full compliance from Hamas before moving forward with the next phase of the peace process.