A dispute has emerged between European and U.S. officials regarding the future of Gaza, with criticism focused on former President Trump’s “Board of Peace” and concerns it circumvents international oversight. European officials have expressed concerns that the board lacks accountability to Palestinians and the United Nations.
European Concerns Over Trump’s Gaza Plan
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s head of foreign policy, warned that Trump’s “Board of Peace” operates as a personal initiative, removing accountability to Palestinians or the United Nations. Spain’s foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, accused Trump of attempting to bypass the original UN mandate for the board, adding that Europe, a major funder of the Palestinian Authority, was excluded from the process.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Kallas stated the original UN resolution aimed to support Gaza through a Board of Peace, but the board’s current charter makes no reference to Gaza or the UN. She noted the UN security council resolution provided for a Board of Peace for Gaza, but also stipulated a time limit until 2027, Palestinian representation, and a specific focus on Gaza – elements absent from the board’s current statute.
Concerns Over Funding and Accountability
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy voiced fears that the board’s structure lacks controls to prevent billions in reconstruction funds from being directed to Trump’s associates. The comments represent the first public disagreement over Trump’s project at a high level, highlighting tensions surrounding the ceasefire in Gaza and the upcoming Board of Peace meeting in Washington next week.
Nickolay Mladenov, the Trump-appointed high representative for Gaza, attempted to downplay the controversy, emphasizing the need for swift action to implement the second phase of the ceasefire. He warned that failure to act quickly could lead to a resumption of hostilities.
Mladenov stated he would not address allegations of an Israeli genocide, focusing instead on improving humanitarian aid, decommissioning weapons from all factions, and resolving the division of Gaza between Israeli and Palestinian control. He stressed the importance of a unified Gaza for a two-state solution, stating, “If we do not address the issue of Hamas and Gaza itself divided into two parts, please tell me how we get to a two-state solution, because I do not see the pathway.”
U.S. Response and Troop Deployments
During a discussion with Kallas, Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, criticized what he termed “hand-wringing” over the Board of Peace, arguing that the existing situation of ongoing conflict with Hamas in control of Gaza must be broken. He confirmed that Indonesia has pledged 8,000 troops to the International Stabilisation Force, with further deployments expected to be announced soon. Waltz also stated that some countries are hesitant to channel reconstruction funds through the UN system.
Waltz described Trump’s approach as “focused multilateralism,” asserting the need to reform the UN and refocus it on peacemaking.
Palestinian activist Mustafa Barghouti expressed concern that discussions regarding Gaza’s future are becoming detached from reality, citing expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank and the potential collapse of the Oslo Accords. He emphasized the need for accountability regarding alleged genocide and for efforts to prevent the demise of the two-state solution.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
